Pension Scam: EFCC Files New Charges Against Shuaibu, Others

SAN FRANCISCO, April 23, (THEWILL) - The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has filed separate charges before a Federal High Court in Abuja, against 40 suspects implicated in alleged N4.56billion pension scam.

Those facing the new separate charge are a former Director, Pension Administration in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Sani Teidi Shuaibu, nine other accused and 30 companies.

Apart from Shuaibu, others are Mohammed Ahmed Katun, Garba Abdullahi Tahir, Abdul Mohammed, Emmanuel Olanipekun, Aliyu Bello, Abdullahi Omeiza, Phina Chidi, Franklin Okey Nwankwo and Omoefe Eric Uduesegbe.

The suspects have been standing trial on a 24- count charge bordering on stealing before Justice Adamu Bello. But at the resumed hearing on Tuesday, the prosecuting counsel, Godwin Obla informed the court of his intention to constitute separate trial for all the accused, and that he had filed seven separate charges against the accused persons.

He also informed the court that all 10 accused persons have been duly served with the new charges.

However, counsel to the 1st accused, Sunday I. Ameh objected to the oral application made by the prosecution to amend or withdraw the previous charge. He said the prosecution has not placed sufficient reasons before the court to justify the action.

Ameh also claimed that his client has just been served with the new charge and will need time to study it and raise objection, if necessary. He therefore called for an adjournment. Other defence counsel aligned themselves with Ameh.

However, Justice Adamu Bello ruled that it was within the prosecution’s right to withdraw any charge before the court or file a new one where necessary. He therefore dismissed the defence objection to the new charges as baseless and lacking in merit.

With the new charges, the suspects are expected to take fresh pleas.