A former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Mohammed Umar, has pleaded not guilty to a 7 count charge of money laundering to the tune of N4.8 billion.
The former Air Chief was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) based on a 7 count charge filed on April 22, 2016 before Justice Binta Nyako on alleged charges of corruption.
The Prosecutor, Mr Sylvanus Tahir, asked for a trial date to enable him produce their witnesses and prayed the court to remand the accused in custody.
Defense Counsel, Hassan Liman, however applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution, who confirmed that he has been served with a copy of the bail application.
Justice Nyako has admitted the accused person to bail in self-recognizance but ordered him to deposit his international passport with the court.
He must not travel out of the court’s jurisdiction without the permission of the court.
Justice Nyako predicated her decision on the fact that the accused person is under an administrative bail by the EFCC
Air Marshal Umar becomes the second service chief under the present administration to stand trial on allegations of corruption.
Justice Nyako has adjourned the case to June 7, 8 and 9.
Air Marshal Mohammed Umar was the Chief of Air Staff between Sept 2010 and Dec 2012 before Badeh took over
.....Channels TV