Tension in Minna as EFCC arraigns Muazu Babangida

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Minna, the state capital, would today arraign ex-Governor of Niger State, Muazu Babangida Aliyu.

Tension has reportedly greeted the planned arraignment as mixed reactions have trailed the trial.

The trial, which would hold at the Minna High Court, has drawn reactions from the ex-governor’s loyalists who alleged that the state government was behind his ordeal.

The Guardian learnt some civil servants have planned to embarrass him when he is brought to the court, due to his alleged indebtedness to them while in power.

It was further learnt that over 150 armed security personnel have been deployed from Abuja on the premises of the state high court as the trial begins.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Bala Elkana declined to confirm or deny the story.

According to him, the police are not involved in the former governor’s prosecution, adding that it was the duty of the EFCC to protect lives and property during the trial.

Meanwhile, the state government said in a statement monitored in the state radio that it was not connected with any plan by civil servants to embarrass him.

The statement by the Commissioner for Information Mr. Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, said the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government in the state holds the former governor and other past leaders in high esteem.

“However as a government, we strongly believe in the rule of law and the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which is to rid the country of every form of corruption.’’

“The Niger State government has no hand in the travails of the former governor who is currently facing corruption charges before the EFCC,” the statement said.