N212m fraud: Court to rule in EFCC suit against Reps member

The Federal High Court in Kaduna has reserved judgment in the case of alleged fraud against a serving lawmaker from Katsina.

The case involves Mansur Ali Mashi, the House of Representatives member representing Mashi Dutsi federal constituency.

Mashi is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly obtaining a loan fraudulently.

In the charges, the EFCC contended that Mashi procured N212,439,552 from Sterling bank using fictitious companies.

The offence violates Section 15(1)(b) and punishable under Section 16(1)(a) of the Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) And Financial Malpractices in Banks Act.

Mashi was docked alongside four bank officials, Abdulmumini Mustapha, Shehu Aliyu, Muazu Abdu and Hassan Usman (deceased).

The defendants, upon arraignment, pleaded not guilty and the matter consequently proceeded to trial.

In the case which has suffered setbacks due to elevation and retirement of the trial judges, the prosecution called six witnesses.

On Tuesday, prosecution counsel Douglas Gift and defence counsel A. D. Umar adopted their final written addresses.

Justice Sale Musa Shuaib adjourned the matter till June 15 and 16, 2023 for judgment.