The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Aisha Alkali Wakil, popularly known as “Mama Boko Haram,” alongside Tahiru Saidu Daura and Lawal Shoyode before Justice Umaru Fadawu of the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri. The arraignment is based on two-count charges of conspiracy and cheating, involving a sum of N150 million.
The charges state that Aisha Alkali Wakil, Tahiru Saidu Daura, and Prince Lawal Shoyode, who held positions as the Chief Executive Officer, Programme Manager, and Country Director respectively of Complete Care and Aid Foundation (a Non-Governmental Organization), dishonestly induced Alhaji Bulama Bakki, the CEO of Bakki Commodity Investment Company Limited and Ngumati Investment Company Limited. They allegedly lured him with a contract to supply 5000 bags of high-quality white beans, each weighing 50kg, at a rate of N23,000 per bag. Additionally, they promised the supply of seven units of mobile ultra-scanning machines powered by solar energy (2018 brand) at a rate of N5,000,000 each. The total value of the contract amounts to N150,000,000. However, after executing the contract, the defendants refused to pay Alhaji Bulama Bakki, thereby purportedly committing an offense contrary to Section 320(a) of the Borno State Penal Code Law Cap 102 and punishable under section 322 of the same Law.
During the court proceedings, the defendants all pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against them.
The prosecution counsels, A.I Arogha and S.O Saka, requested a trial date from the court. Following their request, Justice Fadawu adjourned the matter and ordered that the defendants be remanded at a Correctional Centre.
This development marks a crucial step in the legal proceedings against the accused individuals. The EFCC continues to be committed to its mandate of combating economic and financial crimes in Nigeria, and this case demonstrates their determination to bring the perpetrators to justice.
As the trial progresses, the Nigerian public eagerly anticipates the outcome of this high-profile case, as it holds significant implications for the fight against fraud and corruption in the country.
