EFCC Arraigns Businessman For Providing False Information
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday docked a businessman, Rashid Huthman before the Lagos State Special Offences Court for allegedly providing false information to an official of the commission.
According to the EFCC, Huthman had falsely told one of its operatives that a former Director of Lands in Lagos State and the Director of Salgons Beverage Ventures Ltd, Alhaji Oyebanji Oreagba forged the signature of the Vice-president, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.
An information, the anti-graft agency claimed, the accused person knew was false.
Huthman was arraigned before the court alongside his company , Complete Leisure Estate Ltd on a two count charge of making false information to a public official.
The EFCC counsel, Nkereuwem Anana, alleged that the accused person committed the offence between June 22, 2016 and February 15, 2017 in Lagos.
Anana also alleged that, “The defendant knowingly provided false information to Dan Azibagiri, an EFCC operative in the course of duty.
“The defendant claimed Oreagba forged Prof. Osinbajo’s signature who was the then Attorney-General of Lagos to deprive him (Huthman ) of his land,” Anana said.
The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the provision of Section 96 (a ) and (b ) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.
Huthman pleaded not guilty to the charge and his counsel, Lawal Pedro (SAN), urged the court to grant him bail on the most liberal terms.
In a short ruling, Justice Mojisola Dada granted Huthman bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Justice Dada also held that the accused person must perfect his bail in two weeks or else, the bail would be revoked and he would be remanded in prison custody.
The judge then adjourned the case until December 11 for commencement of trial .
