By JOY KAKA

An operations manager with Vital Construction Nigeria Ltd., Sani Zekeri, was arraigned before a Wuse Magistrates’ Court for allegedly misappropriating N100 million.

The defendant was charged with criminal breach of trust, cheating, misappropriation and theft.

The prosecutor, Donatus Abah, informed the court that Mr Suleiman Ahmed, the company’s representative, had petitioned the FCT Police Commissioner on July 29.

He alleged that the defendant had siphoned N100 million of the company’s money over the years.

Abah stated that investigations revealed the defendant used the proceeds to build three houses in different locations.

He noted that the offences contravened Sections 289, 309, 322, and 314 of the Penal Code.

The defendant pleaded not guilty.

The defence counsel, Mr Adams Inuekenhe, applied for bail, citing Section 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and Section 35 of the 1999 Constitution.

He assured the court that the defendant would not interfere with investigations if granted bail.

The Magistrate, Mr Sunday Adukwu, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety who must be a public or civil servant from grade level 10.

He warned that failure to meet the bail conditions would result in remand at the Nigerian Correctional Service Centre.

The case was adjourned until Sept. 19 for hearing. (NAN)