The Financial and Monetary Crimes Fee (EFCC) has arraigned Tersoo Loko, former chairman of the Benue State Impartial Electoral Fee (BSIEC), alongside 10 different defendants over the alleged diversion of N1.1 billion meant for native authorities elections within the state.
The defendants have been introduced earlier than the federal excessive courtroom in Makurdi on 30 counts bordering on legal misappropriation of public funds and cash laundering. These standing trial with Loko are Kuleve Terlumun, Mtomga Manasseh, Ugbede Denen, Tatyough Thaddeus, Angwa Dominic, Uwua Igbawua, Adese Asom Orkuma Emmanuel, Owoicho Odeh, and Mhir Iyenge.
Presenting the fees, M.S. Yusuf, counsel to the EFCC, informed the courtroom that the case arose from funds launched for the conduct of native authorities elections in 2020 and 2022. Based on the prosecution, BSIEC obtained N1.6 billion for the 2 polls, however solely N565 million was reportedly utilized to the train, leaving N1.1 billion unaccounted for.
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The EFCC alleged that Loko, whereas serving as BSIEC chairman, personally obtained massive money funds from the fee and diverted the funds for personal use. Yusuf mentioned Loko allegedly collected N118 million in 2020 and N110.9 million in 2022, each recorded as funds made to him by the fee.
The alleged offences, the prosecution mentioned, contravene provisions of the Cash Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
All of the defendants pleaded not responsible when the fees have been learn.
Following the pleas, the prosecution requested a listening to date to open its case. In his ruling, Justice M.S. Abubakar granted every defendant bail of N50 million with one surety in like sum.
The decide ordered that the sureties should possess legitimate worldwide passports and directed the defendants to deposit their passports with the courtroom registrar. He adjourned the matter to April 24 for listening to and ordered that the defendants be remanded pending the perfection of their bail circumstances.
