Ex-Lawmaker, Accomplice Jailed Over Shocking N800m Fraud Case

Ex-Lawmaker, Accomplice Jailed Over Shocking N800m Fraud Case

A former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Albert Sylvanus Atirwurcha, and his associate, Sabo Mohammed Jimeta, have been remanded in Abuja prison over an alleged N800 million fraud. Another suspect, Ezekiel Namda, remains at large.

The duo was arraigned by the Special Fraud Unit (SFU) of the Nigeria Police Force before a Federal High Court in Lagos. They are accused of defrauding businessman and politician Abubakar Baba Zango, currently representing Yola North, Yola South, and Girei Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

Baba Zango confirmed to this news outlet that Albert and Sabo betrayed his trust, despite their longstanding relationship. He alleged that the pair fraudulently sold off his property at No. 3 Bunu Sheriff Crescent, Katampe Extension, Abuja, without his consent.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was involved in the case after the police established a criminal breach of trust against the defendants. They were arraigned alongside Jitau Investment Limited, a limited liability company linked to the transaction.

During the court proceedings, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Emmanuel Jackson, who heads the SFU’s Legal Department, told Justice Nicholas Oweibo that the defendants conspired to sell Baba Zango’s property and diverted the N800 million proceeds into unauthorized bank accounts.

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According to the prosecution, the funds were deposited into Union Bank account number 0041529275, belonging to Jitau Investment Limited, and Zenith Bank account number 1016265443, linked to J&J Holding Villa Limited. These accounts were different from the one designated by the rightful owner, Baba Zango.

The prosecutor stated that the charges violated Sections 1(3) and 1(i)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006. Additionally, the alleged offenses breached Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011, as amended in 2012.

The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court. Their lawyers, Kyari Joe Gadzama (SAN), Kole Bello, and J.W. Dong, argued for bail, stating that their clients had previously cooperated with the police and should not be denied their constitutional rights.

However, CSP Jackson opposed the bail application, warning that the defendants might flee if granted bail. He pointed out that police had to track down the sureties before Albert was compelled to appear in court.

Justice Oweibo ruled in favor of the defense and granted bail. Each defendant was asked to provide N500 million with one surety of equal financial standing. The surety must own property in Lagos and provide evidence of tax payments for the past three years.

Despite the ruling, the case was later transferred to the Federal High Court in Abuja. Justice O.A. Egwuatu upheld the previous bail conditions but ordered that the defendants remain in custody until they fulfilled the terms. Additionally, they must provide two federal directors as sureties, each owning landed property in Abuja.

The trial is set to continue on June 21, where the prosecution will present its evidence against the accused.