The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makurdi Zonal office, on Friday, October 9 2020, arraigned one Otsapa Ubani Otsapa, chairman of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ado Local Government Chapter, Benue State, before Justice Moris Ikpambese of the Benue State High Court, Makurdi, on a two count charge of criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds to the tune of N17,552,400.00.
One of the counts one reads: “That you, Otsapa Ubani Otsapa being Chairman of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Ado Chapter, between 2016 and 2019 in Ado Local Government area of Benue State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, was entrusted with the sum of N17,552,400.00 by the NULGE state chapter for the welfare of its members, but dishonesty misappropriated the said sum and thereby committed an offence, contrary to Section 312 of the Penal Code (CAP) 124 Laws of Benue State, and punishable under Section 313 of the same Law”.
The defendant pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges and the EFCC counsel, George Chia-Yakua prayed the court for a trial date and an order to remand him in custody pending trial, But the defence counsel, Abraham Aruta, applied orally for the bail of his client on self-recognizance.
Justice Ikpambese, however, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned till December 3, 2020 for hearing.
