NBA President re-arraigned, as court orders arrest of four govt officials in Akwa Ibom

Anietie Udobit

President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Paul Usoro on Friday appeared before Justice Rilwan Aikawa, of the Federal High Court Lagos, to answer to a 10 count charge preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Meanwhile, the court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest and production in court of four others named in the body of the charge, who are said to be at large.

Those affected are the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Akwa Ibom State, Uwemedimo Nwoko, the Commissioner of Finance, Nsikan Nkan, the Accountant General, Mfon Udomah and a Cashier of the State Govt, Margaret Ukpe.

Justice Rilwan Aikawa granted the bench warrant at the instance of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), who told the court that the defendants are at large and the warrant was necessary to ensure their presence in court at the next adjourned date of March 18 & 19.

The four government officials are charged alongside the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Paul Usoro on 10 counts of conspiracy and conversion of an alleged N1.4bn said to be property of the State Government, which sum they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity.

The offense was allegedly committed in May 2016.

Mr Usoro has, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The court admitted him to bail in the sum of N250 million with one surety in like sum.