In an appearance before Justice M.S. Abubakar of the Federal High Court Katsina today, July 11, 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged Sani Lawal BK and Sa’adu Maiwada with two counts of conspiracy and money laundering.

Integrated Gas Services Limited, a business whose managing director is the first defendant, is also charged alongside the defendants.

The defendants are charged with conspiring to steal N261, 869, 824.00 (two hundred and sixty-one million, eight hundred and sixty-nine thousand, eight hundred and twenty-four naira, ten kobo only) from the funds of the Katsina State Government while holding the positions of Deputy Sub-Treasurer and Sub-Treasurer of the Accountant General of Katsina State at the time.

A director of Integrated Gas Services Limited, the first defendant (Maiwada), is charged with taking part in the alleged money laundering of the stolen property.

One of the charges reads, “That you, SAADU MAIWADA, SANI LAWAL BK AND INTEGRATED GAS SERVICES COMPANY LIMITED between 2016 and 2019 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, took possession of an aggregate sum of N261, 869. 824.00 (Two Hundred and Sixty One Million, Eight Hundred and Sixty Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Twenty Four Naira, Ten Kobo Only) paid through the Fidelity Bank account of Integrated Gas Services Company Limited with account no 4010693761 when you reasonably ought to have known that the said funds formed part of the proceed of unlawful activity (to wit: Criminal Breach of Trust) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended) and punishable under section 15(3) & (4) of the same Act.”

Both defendants entered a “not guilty” plea to the charges, and the third defendant, Integrated Gas Services Limited, also did so.

Aisha Tahar Habib, the prosecution’s attorney, requested that the court set a trial date in light of the defendants’ pleas.

The defendants’ attorney, J.P. Israel, moved a bail application on their behalf and pleaded with the judge to release the defendants on bail.

The defendants were each granted bail in the amount of N50,000 (Fifty Million Naira) with two sureties, both of whom had to be Katsina residents. Furthermore, the defendants are required to leave their international passports in the court’s registry.

The trial date for the case was set for October 19, 2023.