Former reps member, three bank officials jailed for N212m fraud

A federal high court in Kaduna has convicted Mansur Mashi, a former member of the house of representatives, for fraud.

Mashi, who represented Mashi Dutsi federal constituency in Katsina, was convicted alongside three bank officials Abdulmumini Mustapha, Shehu Aliyu and Muazu Abdu.

In the charges, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claimed that Mashi obtained N212,439,552 from Sterling Bank using fictitious companies.

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

Mashi was arraigned in 2011 alongside four bank officials — Abdulmumini Mustapha, Shehu Aliyu, Muazu Abdu and Hassan Usman (now deceased).

Upon arraignment, all defendants pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution called six witnesses in the case which has encountered several setbacks as a result of the promotion and retirement of trial judges.

Parties adopted their final written addresses in May and the matter was subsequently adjourned till June 15 and 16, 2023 for judgement.

Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Sale Shuaibu, presiding judge, convicted Mashi on eight counts of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretences.

The second defendant (Mustapha), who was the former branch manager of Sterling Bank, was convicted on counts one to 15 and sentenced to five years imprisonment on each count without an option of fine. 

The court further ordered the 2nd defendant to return N40 million to the bank.

The third defendant (Aliyu ), who was the former head of operation of the bank, was discharged on count one to eight but convicted on counts nine to 15 and sentenced to five years imprisonment on each count without an option of fine.

The fourth defendant was also convicted on all counts.

Due to the absence of the first and fourth defendants, the judge reserved sentencing until they are arrested and brought before the court.