Alleged N4bn fraud: EFCC heads to appeal court to rekindle case against Aliyu, Beji

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has approached the Court of Appeal over the case involving a former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu.

A lower court had on December 7, 2023, granted a no-case ruling to Aliyu and former chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in the state, Tanko Beji, over an alleged N4 billion fraud.

And now the EFCC wants the court to set aside the no-case ruling.

The anti-graft agency made this known in a statement by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Thursday in Abuja.

The commission said it has filed a fresh seven-count charge against Beji and Aliyu.

Also included in the suit is a former Commissioner for Environment and Chief of Staff, Umar Mohammed Nasko, who is being charged with conspiracy, abetment, and criminal breach of trust before Justice Aliyu Mayaki (now retired).

According to the statement: “The matter was later reassigned to Justice Abdullahi Mukailu…”

The EFCC, disagreeing with the court’s decision on Aliyu and Beji’s no-case submission, submitted a Notice of Appeal on January 10, 2024.

“For the EFCC, the road has not closed. The Commission is proceeding in its appeal against Aliyu and Beji at the Court of Appeal with all its evidence against them.

“The Commission will continue to discharge its duties in line with its mandate of tackling all forms of economic and financial crimes, without fear or favour,” the statement said.