The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned a former staff of Pensions Account in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mohammed Ahmed Katun, before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for allegedly obtaining money by false pretence, intent to commit fraud and diverting pension funds worth N62 million.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him. Upon the plea of the accused, his counsel, Nicholas Eku, prayed the court to admit the accused to bail.
The prosecution counsel, Emmanuel Egwuagu, did not oppose the bail application, but asked the court to grant the accused bail on terms that it would ensure his appearance in court. The trial judge, Justice A.R Mohammed, consequently admitted him to bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.
The judge, however, said that the accused must not be allowed to breathe air of temporary freedom until the two sureties provided are certified satisfactory by the court registrar. Justice Mohammed ordered that one of the sureties must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 10, while the other must have landed properties in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) or its area councils.
Besides, the court said the title documents of the property, as well as the accused international passport are to be deposited with the court. The accused is also not to travel outside the country without the permission of the court. The case was adjourned to September 25, 2013 for trial.
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