EFCC Re-arraigns Etukudo Provost School Of Federal Laboratory Technology, One Other Over N359 Million Fraud

Yakubu Busari

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday, re-arraigned Dr. Nkereuwem Sunday Etukudo, Provost, and some top officials of the Federal School of Medical Laboratory Technology, FSMLT, Jos, Plateau State, before Justice S.P.Gang  of the Plateau State High Court in Jos on a 15-count charge bordering on conspiracy and diversion of funds to the tune of N359 million.

The other accused persons are: Yusuf Samuel, Accountant, Ernest Demtoe, Secretary of Tenders Esio Udoh, both contractors of FSMLT, who are at large.

The case has suffered a setback since 2010, when the alleged crime was committed in 2008 that bothers on an alleged money laundering and misappropriation of public funds, as fresh amended charges were extended to 2014 and 2015, respectively.

Those arraigned are the 1st and 2nd defendants, who pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Solomon Umoh ,SAN, raised an objection, saying that since the fifth defendant who is a contractor, was not  in court that the matter is not ripe for hearing but the Court proceeded with their arrangement .

In his response, the prosecution counsel, Samuel Ogwebulam, urged the court to discountenance the application of the defence and call on the defendants to take their plea, describing it ‘‘as a misguided and utter misrepresentation of the law.’’

Ruling on the matter, Justice Gang  held that, “the charge is not ambiguous. It indicates an agreement between all the accused to commit an illegal act. The objection raised is a matter of evidence. As such, the  defendants took their plea.”

The 1st and 2nd defendants  pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them .

Following the pleas of not guilty by the first, second,  defendants to the second count, Umoh raised yet another objection on accelerated hearing that the Plateau State administration of criminal justice system gave room for case management , urging the court to adjourn sitting 18th June,2026  for case management  .

In an interview with the EFCC prosecutor Samuel Ogwebulam says ,What happened in court Was  the re-arraignment of the defendants on  fifteen counts  charges. They pleaded not guilty to all counts, and the judge adjourned for case management. That’s what happened today, to the 18th of June.

Why were the defendants not taken to prison as usual? The court had already granted them bail before now, so that bail is still subsisting.

One thing that necessitated the amendment was the ill-health of one of the co-defendants, Mr. Samuel, who was the 1st defendant. His illness has stalled the hearing on several occasions, so the lawyers filed an application to have his name struck out pending when he recovers.

He can then be charged separately so we can make progress. The court granted that application, so we removed his name and had to amend the charge. But the bail already granted them is still subsisting.

The criminal justice system in Plateau State is different from what obtains elsewhere, like Abuja where I practice. There is a Practice Direction in criminal matters made pursuant to the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Plateau State by the Chief Judge, aimed at fast-tracking criminal matters.

 So there is case management in criminal matters just like you have case management in civil matters in Plateau State. That is not obtainable in Abuja.

So I will get a copy of that law, study it very well, and then do the needful before the next adjournment. Thank you, sir.

The  matter  was filed since 200D and on December 10, 2010, bothers on allegation of money laundering and misappropriation of public funds

-The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, released ₦24,221,000 

– Paid into a First Bank account: 200270810 

– The money was for a contract to supply two 33-seater Toyota buses to Federal School of Medical Technology, Jos  .

 The charge claims this violated Section 1(1) and Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act* and Section 5(3) of another Act

2. The “official corruption” allegation Sometime in December 2010, in Jos  .

– You allegedly *received ₦10,000,000 withdrawn from that same First Bank account 200270810 

 This was part of the money authorized for the bus contract 

– Alleged to violate Section 8(1)(a) and Section 8(1)(g) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

*3. The September – November 2012 allegation.   As a public officer at Federal School of Medical Technology, Jos  .

 You allegedly received ₦4,932,000* in your Access Bank account from ‘GO GO Service Limited’

 This was part of money authorized to be paid to GO GO Service Limited for *supply of office equipment  to the school . Alleged to violate Section 8(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices Act, 2000.

The two covers  obtaining money by false pretence. Section 1(1) and 1(3) deal with the offence and penalties

Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000               Section 8(1)

(a): Public officer receiving gratification for performing duty. Section 8(1)(g): Other corrupt acts by public officers.