The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ja’afaru Maliki, an aide to former Adamawa State Governor Murtala Nyako, before Justice Balkisu Aliyu of the Federal High Court, Yola, Adamawa State, a statement said yesterday.
Signed by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity in Abuja, Wilson Uwujaren, the statement said Maliki was arraigned alongside the Director of Rural Access Mobility Project, a World Bank-sponsored project, Vwapamkai Bafyau and Director, Civil Works Farouk Tarja.
James Zarma and Suleiman Mohammed, both Deputy Permanent Secretaries, and Mamman Malgwi, a Permanent Secretary, were also arraigned.
The accused persons were arraigned on a nine-count charge bordering on alleged procurement fraud and diversion of funds to the tune of N700 million. EFCC said the funds were meant for the development of the Yola by-pass phase I road project, which was awarded to Nasser and Associate Global International Limited.
The statement added that a group, Adamawa Awareness for Change, petitioned the EFCC, which subsequently investigated the allegations of fraud and misappropriation of funds leveled against the accused. They pleaded not guilty and were granted bail. The matter was adjourned and their trial fixed for October 26, 27 and 28.