The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has on Tuesday arraigned the former secretary to the government of the federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal before a Federal High court in Abuja over his use of a company which is said to be owned by him to remove what he had described as “invasive grass” at the cost of over 272 million.
As at January 30, after over two years since he was removed, charges had been pressed against Lawal by the federal government over the alleged fraud.
President Muhammadu Buhari had suspended Lawal over the allegation as at October 2017.
This happened after a panel led by the vice president, Yemi Osinbajo submitted a report after investigation of the alleged fraud and accusing the former SGF.
The EFCC on the SGF arraignment had pressed a 10 count charge against the former SGF bordering on alleged conspiracy and fraudulent acquisition of property.
However, Lawal pleaded not guilty to the 10 count charges.
Meanwhile, the counsel to the first defendant, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Akin Olujimi, had filed an application that his client be granted bail.
The judge, Jude Okeke, however gave a remand order following an appeal by Mr Lawal’s counsel to grant him bail and thereafter adjourned the matter to Wednesday to rule on the bail application.
