EFCC arraigns Taraba Accountant-General over alleged N1.56bn fraud

From Yusha’u Alhassan Jalingo

The Immediate past Accountant General of Taraba State, Joel Joseph

Lenbong has been arraigned before a Federal High Court, in Jalingo, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on an allegation of defrauding the state government to the tune of over N1.56 billion fraud.

Lenbong was docked on an 8-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, offences contrary to and punishable under the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

When the charges were read to him, the accused person pleaded not guilty.

The charge came on the heels of a petition received from a concerned Taraba State indigene, sometime in February 2014, alleging massive looting of Taraba state funds.

Counsel to accused, Abayomi Akamode, however, informed the court that he had filed a motion for bail and urged the court hear it.

However, Justice Okorowo adjourned the case till July 11, 2014 for hearing of the bail application and remanded the accused in prison custody.