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ALLEGED N544M GRASS CUTTING FRAUD: Court fixes date to commence trial of ex-SGF Lawal

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Allegations against me were ‘fabricated’, but I’ve forgiven my enemies to make heaven— Babachir

The case of a N544 million alleged fraud involving a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal has been fixed for May 23.

A Federal High Court in Abuja made the announcement on Thursday.

Babachir, Hamidu Lawal, a director in his company; Sulaiman Abubakar, staff in the company; and Apeh Monday, managing director, Josmon Technologies Limited were arraigned on February 12 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for fraudulently awarding a N544 million contract to a company Lawal had interest in.

Read also: Governor of Buhari’s home state cries out, says bandits, criminals have taken over Katsina

The presiding Judge, Justice Jude Okeke fixed May 23 after consulting counsels to all parties involved.

EFCC alleged, in a 10-counts charge against the defendants, that the SGF in March 2016, knowingly held indirectly a private interest in the consultancy contract awarded to Rholavision Engineering Limited for the removal of invasive plant species and simplified irrigation to the tune of N7m and N6.4m.

The commission said the act was contrary to Section 26 (1) (c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

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