The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Emmanuel Kucha, former vice-chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi (FUAM), over an alleged N70 million fraud.
Kucha was brought before the federal high court in Makurdi on Tuesday, on a four-count charge including misappropriation of public funds and abuse of office.
According to the prosecuting counsel, Kucha committed the offences while serving as a public officer at the university between 2012 and 2017.
Although he pleaded not guilty to the charges, the ex-VC was further accused of collecting the sum as bribe in the course of performing his duties.
This, the prosecuting counsel said, contravenes Section 18(c) of the corrupt practices and other related offenses act, 2000.
Timothy Dim, the defence counsel, appealed with the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms.
Olajuwon, the judge who presided over the case, granted the accused bail in the sum of N10 million, with one surety in like sum.
He ordered that the surety be a public servant with the federal or Benue state government on grade level 17 and must be confirmed by the court.
Olajuwon also ordered that the former VC be remanded in EFCC’s custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
The case was thereafter adjourned till January 5, 2020, for trial.
