Alleged N75.5bn scam: EFCC to file amended charges against ex-works minister

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is to file amended charges against the former Minister of Works, Dr Hassan Lawal and some multinational companies standing trial for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government to the tune of about N75.5 billion.Meanwhile, the anti- graft agency has withdrawn criminal charges against one of the companies, NAIRDA Limited, its Managing Director, Hillel Gilboa and three others.In the case of NAIRDA Limited, the EFCC said it erroneously included their names in the 24-count criminal charges, but would now convert the company to a star prosecution witness.The former minister, who is standing multiple trials, was arraigned before Justice Bilikisu Aliyu of a Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, for allegedly conspiring with some firms to defraud the Federal Government to the tune of N75.5 billion and, thereby, committed an offence contrary to section 17 [1] [a] of the Money Laundering [Prohibition Act] 2004 and also punishable under section 14 [1] of the same Act.NAIRDA Limited and its Managing Director, Gilboa, were listed alongside Dr Adeogba Ademola, Digital Toll Coy Ltd, Okala Philip Yakubu, Thahal Paul, Swede Control Intertex Ltd, Proman Vital ventures Ltd, PEB 04 Nig. Ltd and Lassa Ltd as co-accused.
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