By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
A Minna High Court 4, Niger State has adjourned further hearing till November 25 on the criminal charge filed against three employees of Federal Medical center, Bida by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC)
The three employees of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Bida were arraigned before the court by ICPC on a three-count charge of embezzlement, conversion of funds and conferring undue corrupt advantage on themselves by adding three ghost names as workers in the establishment.
The defendants Sadiq Abubakar, Awaisu Baba Bida and Ihuoma Mariam who had pleaded not guilty during arraignment had appeared before the court on Monday for continuation of their trial.
According to Emeka Ihekoronyi, ICPC principal counsel/prosecutor, the offences allegedly committed by the accused persons are contrary to Section 26 (1) C of the ICPC Act, punishable under Sections 19 and 16 of the ICPC Act.
When the matter was called for hearing, ICPC counsel/prosecutor said the Commission was briefed to help in recovering the sum of N24, 398, 441, 09 from the defendants who allegedly, have been using ghost names to defraud the Federal Medical Centre in Bida.
While responding, the counsel to the defendants, Bala Zuru said it was only important for the prosecution to establish a prima face case against his clients if any, adding, “we believe our clients did not commit the offences.”
Bala Zuru argued that the defendants who are working in the Pay Roll and Audit office have no direct contact with money in cash at FMC Bida.
While cross examining the Director of Administration, FMC Bida, Alhaji Musa Ladan as PW witness, Zuru argued that one Yunusa Kasim, the head of finance of FMC should have been brought before the court for the matter, being the officer directly in charge of disbursement of money.
