The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned the Managing Director, Benue State Agricultural Development Company (BS-ADC), Mr Donald Akule, before a Federal High Court over an alleged diversion of N59.8 million.
The Makurdi zonal directorate of the commission told the Federal High Court sitting in Makurdi, Benue, that Akule was arraigned for eight counts bordering on criminal breach of trust, stealing, and diversion of public funds.
The prosecution counsel, A.S. Idris, said the accused was arrested by the commission upon the receipt of a petition against him for alleged criminal breach of trust and stealing.
Idris said the petitioner alleged that the funds belonged to the BS-ADC for the supply of grains to the state government.
“Investigation revealed that the MD/CEO was not able to pay for the grains supplied by some contractors because he diverted a substantial part of the funds meant for the purchase for his personal use.
“The money diverted was part of the N486 million sent to the company by the Benue Investment and Property Company (BIPC) for the purpose of fish cultivation, grain purchase and warehouse renovation.
“Further investigation revealed that the monies received by BS-ADC from BIPC for the purchase of grains, part of which he diverted directly to his private account,” they said.
He said the accused sometimes in 2024 used Udeco Engineering Company, a company owned by his friend, Henry Ude, and awarded contracts for the construction of perimeter fencing, gate house, warehouse renovation, supplies, and installation of CCTV for N195.8 million without due process.
The prosecution said the accused used part of the purported contract sum of N31.9 million for his benefit and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and punishable under the same act.
He said on 20th December, 2025, the accused knowingly obtained by false pretence the sum of N14 million from BIPC, which was represented to be payment for the stocking of fish and building of a fish pond.
Idris told the court that the action was not only false but also committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
The prosecution counsel further prayed for a short date for an accelerated trial.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to all eight counts and applied for bail, which the prosecution objected to.
The presiding judge, Justice Raphael Egbe, in his ruling, remanded the defendant at the Correction Centre, Makurdi, and adjourned the case to 29th January for a hearing of the bail application.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Kelechi Amadi-Obi - Transcending the worlds of Law, Visual Art and Photography". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
Download E-MagazineDo you want to be heard, your events covered, your articles published, or need to advertise your products and services on our Blog and Magazine, reach out to us at Newswire Law and Events, you will be glad you did. For more details about our services, please call: 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk
