Misappropriation of N1bn: Yerima Docked Again

The former governor of Zamfara State, Senator Ahmed Yerima, was on Thursday docked by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) at the Gusau High Court, over allegation of fund misappropriation of over N1 billion while he served as governor in 2006. Yerima, who is also a serving senator, is answering questions to a 19-count charge that touches on misappropriation of the said fund. Specifically, an ICPC’s lawyer, Mashkur Salisu, noted that the sum was a bank loan meant for the repair of the collapsed Gusau Dam and the payment of compensation to victims affected by the incident. The lawyer also alleged that the senator diverted the money to other purposes. The ICPC counsel maintained that the offence is contrary to and punishable under section 25 (1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. Others charged alongside the former governor are one Alhaji Hashim Dikko, and two companies; Development Management Ltd. and HAD Nig Ltd. All the accused persons pleaded not guilty. This led to their counsel, Mahmoud Abubakar, to plead with the court, presided over by Justice Bello Shinkafi, to grant them bail on self-recognition, with an assurance that they would not jump bail. Justice Bello Shinkafi granted bail to each of the accused persons in the sum of N100 million and two sureties in like sum. The judge also directed, that the sureties must own landed property worth N150 million, while one of them must be resident in Gusau. Further hearing on the matter has been adjourned till February 29, 2016.