ICPC arraigns SEC ex-DG, NIMC official for alleged N4.9m fraud

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the suspended Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Dr. Mounir Gwarzo and a Principal Manager with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), Jamila Ahmad Muhammad before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Apo District for alleged N4,887,360 fraud.

The pair are standing trial before Justice Olukayode Adeniyi on a 14-count charge bordering on gratification and abuse of office.

The anti-graft agency claimed that Gwarzo abused his office when he allegedly influenced the award of a N3,499,200 contract for the installation of 12 units of air conditioners and four units of refrigerators at SEC Lagos zonal office to a firm, Outbound Investment Limited, in which he is a director and shareholder on or around December 28, 2016.

Muhammad on the other hand, was accused of gratifying herself when Outlook Communications Limited, where she was a shareholder and director, was awarded a contract to air a 60-minute radio jingle on e-dividend in the North East for N798,360 by SEC.

After entertaining counsel’s arguments, the judge ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Kuje correctional facility pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions before adjourning the case till April 22 to 23 for trial.