The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the suspended Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Netufo Olaniyi Alaba, and Hassan Arivi Saddiq, Managing Director of Hassino Group Limited, over an alleged N15 million contract fraud.
The duo appeared before Justice Celestine Obinna of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Maitama, on Wednesday.
Alaba, the first defendant, faced four counts, while Saddiq, the second defendant, was charged with three counts, including abuse of office, corruption, and conferring unfair advantage.
According to Demola Bakare, IPCC Spokesperson in a statement on Thursday, Alaba allegedly used his position to accept N15 million from Saddiq in exchange for facilitating contract opportunities at the Federal Ministry of Power and other agencies.
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Saddiq, in turn, was accused of corruptly paying N10 million into Alaba’s First Bank account for preferential treatment in securing contracts.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Their legal representatives, Myson N. and S. Yusuf, requested bail on the grounds that their clients were not flight risks and could provide credible sureties.
ICPC’s counsel, Abdulkareem Sulaiman, did not oppose the bail request but urged the court to impose strict conditions to prevent any delays in the judicial process.
Justice Obinna granted bail at N50 million each, with the condition that they provide a credible surety who is a civil servant of at least Grade Level 10 with a verifiable address within the FCT.
The case was adjourned until April 4, 2025, for further hearing.
