An Accountant with the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Balarabe Hassan was on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, arraigned alongside Suraj Oyewepo, a senior Cash Office Staff, before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court, Kaduna on a nine-count charge bordering on theft to the tune of over One Hundred and Fourteen Million Naira by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.
Among the allegations against Balarabe was that he fraudulently enrolled a company, RAYYAN GENERAL MERCHANT owned by Oyewepo into the GIFMIS platform based on which the company received various payments without any legitimate reason. The investigation also traced payments made by RAYYAN GENERAL MERCHANT into Balarabe’s account.
In addition, investigation revealed that Balarabe, who was also a signatory to the Staff Revolving Loan Account withdrew cash from the account and wasn’t able to explain what it was used for.
They pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charges were read to them.
Based on their pleas, the prosecuting counsel, Suleiman.I. Suleiman urged the court to remand the defendants and fix a date for the commencement of trial. However, the defence counsel, A. Sule, S.Utuagha and M. Adamu applied for the bail of their clients.
Justice Khobo granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N10m each with one surety in like sum who must own a landed property within Kaduna.
The defendants are also to deposit their international passports with the registry of the court.
The case was adjourned till July 4, 2023 for hearing.
