The Ilorin Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) on Thursday arraigned one Ope Saraki, a Cousin of the immediate past President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki on two count charges bordering on contract scam to the tune of over two hundred million naira.
Saraki was arraigned before Justice Adenike Akinpelu of the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin.
The EFCC alleged that the Defendant while serving as Special Adviser to the Kwara State Government knowly acquired a contract of supply 13 Ambulances to General Hospitals into a company of interest.
Count one of the Charge reads “That you, Ope Saraki, Sometime in 2012 whilst being the special adviser to the Governor of Kwara State on Millennium Development Goals (MDG) within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly acquired indirectly a private interest in contract worth N171,990,000.00 (One Hundred and Seventy One Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety Thousand Naira) awarded to chemistry Nigeria Limited, for the purchase of 13 units of Ambulances for 13 general/specialist hospital in Kwara State, contract connected to your office contrary to section 12 of the corrupt practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 and punishable under same law.”
When the two count charges were read on Thursday, Saraki pleaded not guilty.
Prosecuting Counsel, Sesan Ola told the Court, ” in view of the plea of the defendant, the prosecution is praying for a trial date , we also asked that the Accused Person be remanded in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service pending the hearing and determination of the case”
Defence Counsel, Dr Joshua Olatoke however urged the Court to grant bail to his client pending the hearing and determination of the case stating that the Saraki would not bail as his international passport had been in the Custody of the EFCC.
Justice Akinpelu in her bench ruling granted bail in the sum of three hundred million naira to the accused Person.
Justice Akinpelu said the Defendant must produce two sureties with with verifiable addresses.
She said Saraki should remain in the Custody of the EFCC till he perfects his bail conditions
Further hearing in the case has been adjourned till 16th of April 2020
