By Dele Moses, Ilorin
A former aide of the former Govornor Abdulfatai Ahmed of Kwara State, Ope Saraki, has been charged to court over an alleged contract scam of about N220 million.
Saraki who was a Special Adviser on Millennium Development Goal (MDG) to the former governor and who is described as a cousin to the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, was taken before the court by the Ilorin zonal office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
He was arraigned on a two-count charge before Justice Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
The EFCC alleged that the defendant while serving as the Special Adviser knowingly acquired a contract of supply of 13 Ambulances to General Hospitals into a company of interest.
Count one of the charge reads “That you, Ope Saraki, Sometime in 2012 whilst being the special adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Millennium Development Goals (MDG) within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly acquired indirectly a private interest in contract worth N171,990,000.00 (One Hundred and Seventy One Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira) awarded to Chemistry Nigeria Limited, for the purchase of 13 units of Ambulances for 13 general/specialist hospital in Kwara State, contract connected to your office contrary to section 12 of the corrupt practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under same law.”
When the charges were read on Thursday, Saraki pleaded not guilty.
The prosecution counsel, Sesan Ola, while praying for a trial date asked that the accused be remanded in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service pending the hearing and determination of the case.
The defence counsel, Kayode Olatoke, however urged the Court to grant bail to his client pending the hearing and determination of the case saying that the accused would not jump bail as his passport had been in the custody of the EFCC.
Justice Akinpelu in her ruling granted bail in the sum of N300 million to the accused person but said he should remain in the EFCC custody till he perfects his bail conditions
The judge said the defendant must produce two sureties with verifiable addresses.
The case was adjourned till April 16, 2020 for hearing.