An FCT High Court on Monday remanded a former Minister of State for Power, Muhammad Wakil, over alleged involvement in the mismanagement of N27.1bn earmarked for payment of retirement benefits to staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria.
Justice Suleiman Belgore ordered the minister to remain in prison custody till March 31, 2021 when his bail application would be determined.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had filed two-count charges against Wakil over the alleged offence.
Wakil was charged alongside two companies, Corozzeria Nigeria Limited and Pikat Properties Nigeria Limited for allegedly receiving N148m as gratification from Bestworth Insurance Brokers Limited out of the N27.1bn approved outstanding insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of PHCN.
When the charges were read, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Prosecution counsel, Benjamin Manji, applied for a date for trial and for the remand of the defendant at a correctional centre pending trial. He opposed the oral application for bail.
However, defence counsel, B.C Igwilo, requested bail of his client.
Justice Belgore adjourned the matter to March 31, 2021 for bail and remanded the defendant in the custody of the EFCC.
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