The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said it had arraigned a former Secretary-General of the Athletic Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Amaechi Akawo, for alleged involvement in a $150,000 fraud.
The anti-graft body said the alleged fraud was perpetrated under Akawo back in July and August 2017.
According to a statement by the ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugwa, Mr. Akawo was arraigned by the commission at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday, February 4.
He was arraigned before the trial judge, Inyang Ekwo, on charges of corruption, including money laundering and fraudulent diversion of public funds.
The anti-corruption agency had accused the former Secretary-General of diverting funds released by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) for the successful hosting of the CAA Grand Prix Competition in Delta State, also known as the 2017 Warri Relay Competition.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the former AFN Secretary-General received the money through several fronts.
It said, “Akawo was arraigned by the Commission before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court 5, sitting in Abuja, on allegations of corruption bordering on money laundering and fraudulent diversion of public funds.
“ICPC had filed a 10-count charge before Justice Ekwo, in which it accused the former Secretary-General of diverting monies released by the International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) for the successful hosting of the CAA Grand Prix Competition in Delta State, popularly known as 2017 Warri Relay Competition.
“His actions violated Sections 1 (a) and 16 (1) (d) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011 and are punishable under relevant Sections of the same Act.
“Akawo entered a not guilty plea when the charge was read to him.
“His counsel, Emmanuel Aghedo, moved his application, praying the court to grant him bail on liberal terms”.
ICPC prosecutor, Mashkur Salisu, did not object to the bail application but urged the court to grant him bail on stringent terms to ensure the defendant attends his trial.
In the ruling, the trial judge, Mr. Ekwo, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N15 million, with one surety. The judge ordered that the surety must have landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and must deposit his passport with the court registry.
The case was thereafter adjourned until May 16 and fixed May 17 to 18, 2022 for further trial dates.
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