The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makurdi Zonal Office, has arraigned the Deputy Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Christopher Adaji, and the Clerk of the House, Torese Agena, before Justice S. O. Itodo, of the Benue State High Court, Makurdi. The duo are standing trial for their complicity in an alleged fraud totalling N5, 040, 950.
The anti graft agency, in statement by its Head of Media, Mr. Ayodele Babatunde, said they were arraigned on charges bordering on conspiracy, bribery, criminal breach of trust and abuse of office. They pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them. After their ‘no guilty’ plea, prosecution counsel, G. G. Chia-Yakua, asked the court for a date for the commencement of trial and also sought an order of the court to remand the defendants in Nigeria Correctional Services (NCS). However, the defence counsel prayed the court to grant them bail on liberal terms or on self-recognisance, adding that they would always be available in court to stand for their trials. Justice Itodo admitted them to bail on self-recognizance and adjourned hearing to between July 6 and 8 for commencement of trial.