EFCC Files Criminal Charges Against Bauchi Governor-Elect

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed fresh charges against the governor-elect of Bauchi state and former minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed.

The commission in the fresh six-count charges accused Mohammed of accepting gratification in form of a house located at on No 2599 & 2600 Cadastral Zone, AO4 Asokoro District, Abuja, from Aso Savings & Loans Plc in 2014.

Leadership reports that the EFCC’s counsel, Wahab Shittu said that the gratification was accepted as reward by Mohammed “for performing your official duties.

The commission also said that the alleged crime is contrary to section 18 (b) of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and punishable under Section 18 (d).

Also, the EFCC alleged that Mohammed made a false statement tothe commission’s personnel, Ishaya Dauda, that he acquired the Cadastral Zone property through a mortgage facility from Aso Savings & Loans.

Similarly, Mohmmed is also alleged to have failed to make full disclosure of his property on 54, Mike Akhigbe Street, Jabi, Abuja in his asset declaration form at the EFCC, an act which is contrary to Section 27 (3) (a) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act 2004 and punishable under Section 27 (3) (c).

According to Shittu, Mohammed also failed to declare a property on Agwan Sarki area of Kaduna state.

He was also alleged to have falsely declared that a property on CITEC Kwara House 5, AP Street, Mbora, Abuja belongs to him while the said the property actually belongs to Abubakar Abdu Mohammed – the minister’s son.

Meanwhile,PREMIER NEWS previously reported that Mohammed, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), gubernatorial candidate in Bauchi state, has won the supplementary poll.

Mohammed’s victory was announced on Sunday, March 24, by the Returning Officer Professor Kyari Mohammed.

Mohammed polled a total of 6,376 votes, while the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Muhammed Abubakar, the current governor of the state, polled 5,117 votes.

The returning officer pointed out that he cannot conduct a return since the case of the Tafawa Balewa LGA is pending in court.