Christopher Isiguzo in Enugu
A notable chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Abia State, Prince Benjamin Benedict Apugo was yesterday arraigned before Justice Osiagor of the Federal High Court ,Umuahia Abia State on a three count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N36.000,000 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Details of the arraignment was contained in a statement issued by the zonal office of the commission in Enugu person evening.
The statement noted that Apugo pleaded not guilty to the charges prompting the prosecution team led by Joshua Saidu to apply for a trial date while praying that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending trial.
Earlier, Apugo had stormed the court with several security vehicles and not less than six armed mobile policemen from the special protection units of the Nigeria Police, a development prompting the judge to demand that they move out of the court premises citing security concerns.
Apugo’s arraignment was sequel to his arrest on September 30, 2016 by EFCC following a warrant issued by the court which considered his numerous attempt to evade taking a plea on the charge preferred against him. He was alleged to have fraudulently sold six plots of land valued at N36.000,000 belonging to the Nigeria Railway Cooperation located at Umunwulari Nkata Ibeku layout, Planning Scheme Umuahia.
The matter has been adjourned to November 17 and 18, for trial.
