The Benin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday June 6, 2022, arraigned one Aikahu Monday Umane, former General Manager of Edo State Urban Water Board before Justice Efe Ikponmwonba of the Edo State High Court, Benin City on a count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
Umane is alleged to have sometime in 2008 as General Manager, conspired with one Anthony. E. Dakpokpo (now deceased) and Clifford Imasuen (at large) to steal the aggregate sum of N16, 338,668.49 being balance sum for the rehabilitation/ upgrading of Sabongida – Ora Water Supply Scheme.
The charge against Umane reads : “that you, Aikahu Monday Umane (m) whilst being the general manager , Edo State Urban Water Board, Mr Anthony .E.Dakpokpo (now deceased ) whilst being the board accountant , Edo State Urban Water Board and Mr Clifford Imasuen ( at large) sometime between 1st September, 2008 and 14th October, 2008 in Benin City, Edo State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspired among yourselves to steal the aggregate sum of N16,338,668.49 (Sixteen million, Three Hundred and Thirty Eight Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty Eight Naira, Forty Nine Kobo) being the balance contract sum for the rehabilitation/ upgrading of Sabongida – Ora Water Supply Scheme due to Messrs Samake Global Investment and Development Limited and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 516A of the Criminal Code Law Cap 48, Laws of Bendel State of Nigeria ( as applicable in Edo State) 1976”.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge prompting the prosecution counsel, I. K.Agwai to pray the court for a trial date. However, the defence counsel P.E.Chukwu prayed the court to grant his client bail.
Justice Ikponmwonba thereafter granted the defendant bail in the sum of One Million Naira and one surety in like sum. The surety shall be a landed property owner within the jurisdiction of the Court..
The case was adjourned till July 12, 2022 for hearing.
