EFCC arraigns ex-lawmakers for alleged N450m fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned
Senator Saidu Kumo and Nuhu Poloma before the Federal High Court in
Gombe on five counts bordering on conspiracy and money
laundering.

The two were arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Nehizena
Afolabi.

In one of the counts, the EFCC alleged that “You, Senator Saidu
Umar Kumo and Honourable Nuhu Poloma, on or about 27th March, 2015
within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did conspire
between yourselves to accept cash payment of the sum of N450m from
one Abba Sunday Agaba, a cash officer with Fidelity Bank, which
exceeds the statutory limit authorised by law and thereby committed
an offence contrary to and punishable under sections 18(a) and 16
(2) (a) of the Money Laundering Act 2011 as amended.”

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Afolabi granted each of them bail in the sum of N10m
with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till December 5, 2018 for trial.