Niger PDP guber candidate re-arraigned for ‘fraud’ on election eve

Umar Nasko, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Niger state, has been re-arraigned over alleged fraud.

He was re-arraigned alongside Babangida Aliyu, former governor, and Tanko Beji, state chairman of the PDP on Wednesday.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) charged them with alleged diversion of N2 billion.

The anti-graft agency had arraigned them over the charge in April 2017 before Mohammed Mayaki, a judge of the state high court.

Proceedings in the case was stayed after lawyers of the defendants argued that the same case was before a federal high court.

However, the case has been re-opened at a high court in Minna.

The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.

After they took their plea, Ayodele Olajide, counsel to the former governor, applied for bail on behalf of his client.

Olajide argued that since the case is not new, the defendants should be allowed to enjoy their bail since they have not violated conditions given to them.

The judge granted the application. He asked that the defendants deposit their international passports with the court.

The matter was adjourned till till February 21.