Banker Arraigned for N12m Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday October 23, 2013 arraigned a banker, Yagana Ibrahim Bukar before Justice Fatu Riman of the Federal High Court Kano on 10-count charge bordering on Money Laundering and theft.

The accused is said to have abused her position as account officer at Sky Bank Plc and stole N12, 626, 250 of depositors’ fund. She allegedly perpetrated the scam by posting the sum into three Sky Bank accounts belonging to her family members- Hajja Fanna, her sister; Grema Ibrahim Bukar, her brother and her child, Ummu Kulthum.

In order to conceal the illicit origin of the money, the accused allegedly used part of the money to open a provision store in the Kawo area of Kano Metropolis.

One of the charges read; “that you Yagana Ibrahim Bukar on or about 15^th August 2011 in Kano within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court converted the sum N1, 166, 920 (One Million One Hundred and Sixty Six Thousand Nine Hundred and Twenty Naira Only) derived directly from participation in theft by depositing the said amount into the Skye  Bank account of Hajja Fanna with the aim of concealing the illicit origin of the resources and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 15(1)(a)(ii) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In view of the plea of the accused, the prosecution counsel, Nasiru Salele told the court to proceed with the trial, adding that his witnesses were ready to testify.

But the defense counsel, Ma’aruf Yakasai pleaded with the court to admit his client to bail.

Justice Riman adjourned the case to October 25, 2013 for ruling on bail application and fixed Monday October 28, 2013 for continuation of hearing.