The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Wednesday, arraigned a former Deputy Director, Highways, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, Augustine Olowoniyan, alongside a surveyor, Sulaiman Muhammed of the Department of Highways and Planning before Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja.
They were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on alleged diversion and misappropriation of public funds amounting to N1,936,961,649.00.
A statement by the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, said the alleged offence is contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
He said the funds were reportedly earmarked for the acquisition of titles for federal roads nationwide between March 4, 2019, and July 17, 2020, but were allegedly converted to their personal use. Oyewale said the defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
He added that Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter till April 3, 2025 for the hearing of the bail application and remanded the two defendants at Kuje Correctional Centre.
In a related development, Oyewale also said the EFCC also arraigned the first defendant, Augustine Ojo Olowoniyan, on a separate three-count charge before the same Judge for allegedly diverting public funds amounting to N439,502,200.00 to personal use.
The defendant also pleaded not guilty to the charges.
However, Justice Onwuegbuzie adjourned the matter to the same date, April 3, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application.
