Ex-Senator Umaru Argungu Arrested For N419M Fraud In Sokoto State

Umaru Tafidan Argungu, a former Nigerian senator has been arraigned for N419m alleged fraud in Sokoto.

The 61-year-old was arraigned on Monday, March 1, before Justice Mohammed Mohammed of the Sokoto State High Court on one count charge of criminal misappropriation of public funds to the tune of N419, 744, 612. 30 (Four Hundred and Nineteen Million, Seven Hundred and Forty-Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Naira, Thirty Kobo).

The former Senator who represented Kebbi North in the 6th Senate under the People's Democratic Party (PDP), is alleged to have diverted the said sum which was paid by the Sokoto State government as 40percent equity stake in Hijrah Investment Nigeria Limited, owners of Hijrah Textile Ltd.

According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, the Sokoto kingdom authorities had entered into an settlement with the previous Senator to buy a 40% stake in his enterprise Hijrah Investment Nigeria Limited that allows you to create jobs and improve the economy of the kingdom.

However, investigations discovered several withdrawals and transfers from the said account to people no longer remotely related to the targets of turning around the organization, the EFCC stated in a assertion.

A visit to the employer promises with the aid of EFCC investigators showed a employer in a severe nation of abandonment and dilapidation.

The rate reads: "That you Senator Umar Tafida whilst being the Chairman of Hijrah Textiles Company Limited and Hijrah Investment Nigeria Limited sometime between 2016 and 2017 at Sokoto inside the jurisdiction of the High CoForty-Fourtice Sokoto State, being entrusted with the full sum of N419, 744, 612. 30 (Four Hundred and Nineteen Million, Seven Hundred and Forty Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Twelve Naira, Thirty Kobo) paid by using the Sokoto State government representing 40% investment of shareholding on your company to reinforce the financial system of the nation, dishonestly misappropriated the money in violation of the mode wherein such agree with become to be discharged and thereby dedicated Criminal Breach of Trust opposite to Section 311 of the Penal Code Law CAP 89, Laws of Northern Nigeria and punishable beneath Section 312 of the identical Law".

He pleaded 'not guilty’ to the price.

Based on his plea, the prosecution recommend, S.H. Sa’advert requested the Court for a date to start trial at the same time as defence suggest, Ibrahim Abdullahi flow a verbal motion for the bail of his consumer.

Justice Mohammed granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50 million (Fifty Million Naira) and two sureties in like sum. The sureties ought to live and have assets in the jurisdiction of the Court.

The judge in addition ruled that the defendant's international passport be deposited with the Court.

The case has been adjourned till March 18, 2021, for graduation of trial.