UBE Scam: Sokan, 3 Others Face Trial

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ruled that former Executive Secretary, Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, Prof. Bridget Omotunde Sokan and three directors facing trial on fraudulent inducement, criminal conspiracy and subversion of due processes in the award of contract among others, have a case to answer and should be ready to face trial.

Justice Adamu Bello who gave the ruling dismissed an application brought before him by the accused persons praying the court to quash the charges levelled against them.

The other accused persons are: Molkat Manasseh Mutfwang, Michael Mtonga Aule and Dr  Andrew Ekpunobi.

Three other firms: Intermarkets USA ; Intermarkets Nigeria Limited and Alexander John Cozman,  a foreign contractor who is also standing trial with them. Sokan and her co-accused had sought  the quashing of all the charges preferred against them, saying that the court lacked jurisdiction  to entertain the suit instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

They also claimed that the proof of evidence did not establish a prima facie case against them. However, Justice Bello, in his ruling stated that as far as the proof of evidence before him was  concerned there is sufficient evidence for the accused persons to face trial.

He, therefore, adjourned the case to November 29th and 30th, 2010 for continuation of trial.

The accused persons and the firms are being accused of defrauding the country the sum of  N636.2 million.