A Federal High Court in Kaduna has ordered that the
deputy speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Dogara Mato be remanded
in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Mato was arraigned alongside six
others before Justice Marcel Awokulehin on a six count charge of fraudulent
conversion of state funds to the tune of N17 million.
The other six accused persons
include the interim chairman of Lere local government, Mr. Kabiru Tahir Malali,
former director of finance in Lere local government, Mr. Ahmed Yahaya, former
director of works, Lere local government, Mr. Billy Graham Amos, former
director of personnel management, Lere local government, Mr. Yusha’u Aboki,
head of health, Lere local government, Mrs. Hannatu Iliya, and former acting
chairman, Lere local government, Mr. Eric Alhassan.
Having pleaded not guilty to all
the charges, prosecution counsel, Mr. Sa’ad Hannafi prayed the court to remand
the accused persons in prison custody and fix a date for the commencement of
trial.
He specifically prayed the court to
remand the deputy speaker in EFCC custody, as there is fresh petition against
him that warrants further interrogation.
Responding to the prosecution
counsel’s submission, Mr. Habib Ahmed, who led the defence team, told the court
that they had filed applications for bail on behalf of their clients, and were
ready to move the motion.
Justice Awokulehin who observed
that the applications were not ripe for hearing, as the prosecution will also
have to respond overruled their prayer.
He directed that the six other
suspects be remanded in Kaduna Prison.
Dr. Mato Dogara had served as the
chairman of Lere local government area and commissioner in Kaduna state.
The matter has been adjourned to
January 24th for commencement of trial.
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