EFCC arraigns ex-Minister’s son over 419

Mohammed Umar, a 39-year-old son of Nigeria’s first Internal Affairs Minister has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before a Jos High court on a three-count charge involving advance fee fraud (419).
Presided over by Justice Yakubu Dakwak of High Court 6, Umar was also arraigned along side Mustapha Waziri, a staff of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Bauchi State office.


In an interview with newsmen at the Gombe Zonal Office of the EFCC, the suspect said: "I am sure only an insane or fool born and swimming in billions with over 100 state of the art houses spread across country could subscribe to activities of 419".


Looking unperturbed during the parley with newsmen, Umar, who claimed to be an international businessman in fairly used vehicles popularly called "Kotonu Vehicles" said; he inherited N3 billion, cash in a bank account and over 100 houses spread across the country.


He also claimed that he realises millions of naira daily from the sale of vehicles and he spends 95 per cent of his time abroad in pursuit of his business. He said his name was dragged into the matter by a man he had trusted much and who he had granted so much concession and freedom.


He claimed that his friend, Mustapha Waziri, a staff of INEC office Bauchi, is the younger brother to one of the directors of Eagle Construction Company Limited executing contract jobs in Bauchi state.


The suspect said that Waziri showed him the GSM numbers of the Personal Assistant to Governor Yuguda on Projects, Alhaji Kabiru Ma’aji and also told him about the millions of naira, which the government and its officials were siphoning through contracts.


On why he was arraigned in court over the allegations, the accused person said that he was at loss as to their reason. He said he didn’t jump bail and was in constant touch with EFCC and their officials who knew his residence at number 34, Isyiaku Gwamna Street, Jos, Plateau State.


According to him, he could not understand why the EFCC officials would say he was dodging or avoiding arrest when all his phone numbers were in their possession and they had always gotten in touch with him. He added that he usually informs the agency about his whereabouts and that he has never hidden or concealed information about his movements in and outside the country.


On how his bank account number was given for the proposed deal, the accused person claimed that he allowed Mustapha Waziri, second accused, to use his account because of their closeness. Apart from this, his friend has been using the account long before the allegation of 419 against him came up.


He said that he was not threatened by the criminal charges because of his non- involvement in the deal. He had no personal interest in terms of benefit and had not discussed a deal of this nature with any one. He expects to be exonerated through his counsels as such he has no cause to be afraid of these allegations.


Meanwhile, Justice Dakwak has adjoined the case till June 29, when it will come before him for further mention and determination of the application for bail of the accused. The Judge ordered for the remand of the accused in prison custody.


The order was sequel to a plea of not guilty entered by the suspect when he was arraigned before High Court 6 Jos.