From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The Kano State Government on Thursday arraigned a former Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the Kano Agricultural Supply Company, (KASCO), Bala Muhammad Inuwa, his son, Bala Muhammad Inuwa (Junior) and an Incorporated Trustees of the Association of Compassionate Friends over alleged diversion of fund to the tune of N4 billion.
Recall that sequel to investigations by the Kano State Public Complaint and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC), the office of the Kano State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, filed the charges against defendants.
According to PCACC, its investigations revealed that the defendants diverted over N4 billion from the account of KASCO into personal accounts.
The defendants’ Counsel, Prof. Nasir Adamu Aliyu, however argued that the his clients could not be arraigned due to the non-availability of some facilities that include their statements and list of witnesses among others.
He said that without the facilities, it would amount to hindrence of the defendants’ constitutional rights to fair hearing in line with Kano State Administration of Criminal Justice Law 2019.
However, the judge ruled that it was not enough ground not to take the plea of the defendants and asked that the charges be read to them.
After the ten-count charges, which include criminal conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, false statement to cover up the transaction, and mismanagement of grant money, among others, the defendants pleaded not guilty.
The defense counsel, Prof. Nasir Adamu Aliyu then made an oral pleading asking the court to allow the defendants to continue to enjoy the earlier bail granted them by another high court on the matter.
This, the complainant counsel, Barr. Zaharadeen Hamisu Kofar Mata argued that though they are not objecting to the bail it should not be by oral pleading but by proper application before the court.
In her ruling, Justice Hafsat Sani Yahaya, ordered the defence counsel to bring a bail application which may be taken tomorrow Friday, if the application is ready, and ordered the defendants be remanded.
Justice Hafsat adjourned for hearing of the substantive suit to December, 6th, 2023.
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