Governor Yerima arraigned in court

Sani Yerima, Former Governor of Zamfara

 Former Governor Sani Yerima of Zamfara state has been arraigned before a Gusau High Court by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission on Thursday arraigned former Governor Sani Yerima of Zamfara State over an allegation that he misappropriated over N1bn while in office in 2006.

The former governor is standing trial on a 19-count charge bordering on misappropriation of funds.

Mr. Mashkur Salisu, counsel to the ICPC, disclosed that the funds was a bank loan which was meant for the repair of the collapsed Gusau Dam and the payment of compensations to the victims affected by the events. 

The counsel to the anti-corruption agency alleged that Yerima diverted the money to other purposes, which is contrary to, and punishable under section 25 (1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

The other defendants are Alhaji Hashim Dikko, and two companies – Development Management Ltd. and HAD Nigeria Limited.

They are also accused of misapplication and overshooting of the contract sum for the supply of assorted grains to the Federal Government, amounting to hundreds of millions of naira. They have all pleaded not guilty. 

Justice Bello Shinkafi granted bail to each of the accused in the sum of N100m and two sureties. The sureties are expected to own landed properties worth N150m and must be resident in Gusau.

The case has been adjourned till February 29 and March 1, 2016 for hearing.