N450m fraud: Former Minister, Abdu Bulama, four others have a case to answer, says court

Former Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Abdul Bulama, along with four others, has been directed by Justice Fadima Aminu of the Federal High Court in Damaturu, Yobe State, to proceed with their defence in a case involving a N450 million fraud charge brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

After considering a no-case submission made by the defendants, Justice Aminu ruled that the prosecution had successfully presented enough evidence, including testimonies from witnesses and exhibits, to establish a prima facie case against the defendants.

As a result, they are required to present their defence in the matter.

The court has set October 19-20, 2023, as the date for the defendants to commence their defence.

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The EFCC’s Maiduguri Zonal Command is prosecuting Bulama on seven counts of criminal conspiracy and money laundering amounting to N450 million.

The charges also involved Hon. Mohammed Kadai, a former Commissioner for Integrated and Rural Development in Yobe State, Abba Gana Tata, Muhammad Mamu, and Hassan Ibn Jaks.

The defendants are accused of receiving the mentioned sum with the alleged purpose of influencing the outcome of the 2015 Presidential election.

One of the charges, as stated, accuses the defendants of conspiring to commit money laundering, which is an offence punishable under Section 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 as amended.

During the previous proceedings, the defendants pleaded not guilty to all counts, and the trial ensued with the prosecution presenting five witnesses and numerous documents as evidence before concluding their case.

Subsequently, instead of presenting their defence, the defendants decided to submit a no-case submission, asserting that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against them.

However, the court ruled otherwise, compelling them to proceed with their defence.