The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Makurdi Zonal Office,
Monday, arraigned Elizabeth Akaa over alleged N9m fraud bordering on breach of
trust, dishonesty and misappropriation.
It was gathered that the said chunk of money belongs to the Nigerian Union
of Local Government Employees, Guma chapter.
The suspect was made to appear before Justice M. A. Ikpambese of the Benue
State High Court, Makurdi, capital of Benue state.
This was disclosed by the EFCC through a statement by its acting spokesman,
Tony Orilade made available to newsmen in Abuja.
Further, Orilade explained that Akaa was alleged to have been entrusted
with N27, 097,00 as the chairman of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee,
Guma Chapter, between 2016 and 2018 but dishonestly misappropriated a sum of
N9,000, 000 and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 313 of
the Penal Code Law of Benue (CAP)124 (Revised Edition) Laws of Benue State
2004.
Explaining EFCC spokesperson affirmed, “Trouble started for Mrs Akaa when
the EFCC received a petition, dated April 25, 2019 by concerned staff of Guma
Local Government Area, Gbanjiba, Benue State, alleging that she diverted monies
belonging to deceased staff to her daughter’s account.
“The petitioner further alleged that, Akaa was a signatory to NULGE Guma Branch
account but instead of operating this account for official transactions, she
used her company’s account.
“She is also alleged to have been signing payment vouchers and receiving
cash deductions from staff salaries meant to be remitted to family members of
the deceased as part of compensation but allegedly diverting same to herself”.
But the suspect reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charge, upon which
prosecuting counsel, G. G. Chia-Yakua requested for a trial date, and for the
court to remand her in a Correctional Centre.
In his ruling, Justice Ikpambese granted bail to the defendant in the sum
of N500,000,000 with one surety in like sum.
The defendant was remanded in a Correctional Centre pending the perfection
of her bail conditions and, the case was adjourned to March 25, for trial.