‘N2.2bn oil subsidy fraud’: EFCC rearraigns ex-PDP chairman’s son, increases charges to 57

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Mamman Ali, son of Ahmadu Ali, former chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), over an alleged N2.2 billion oil subsidy fraud.

Ali was on Wednesday rearraigned alongside Christian Taylor and a company, Nasaman Oil Services Limited, on an amended 57-count charge before Mojisola Dada, judge of a Lagos special offences court, Ikeja.

The defendants were initially arraigned on a 49-count charge, which included conspiracy to obtain money by false pretences, obtaining money by false pretences, forgery, and the use of false documents—offences that contravene the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

However, during the adoption of final written addresses, EFCC prosecutor Seiduh Atteh informed the court of the amended charges and requested that the defendants take a fresh plea.

According to the commission, new findings necessitated the amendment.

With no objections from the defence counsel, Obafemi Kolade, the court granted the request, and the defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following their re-arraignment, Kolade requested more time for the defence to amend its written address in response to the new charges.

Consequently, the judge directed the prosecution to file a response before the next hearing.

The case was adjourned to April 15 for the adoption of final written addresses.