By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA—The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, arraigned the former Chairman, Presidential Implementation Committee on Maritime Safety, PICOMSS, Air Vice Marshal Saliu Atawodi (rtd) before an Abuja High Court over an alleged N600 million fraud.

Atawodi was docked before Justice Peter Kekemeke alongside one Rabiu Hassan and his company, Hypertech Nigeria Limited.

The defendants are answering to a three-count criminal charge bordering on conspiracy, abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds.

EFCC alleged that they defrauded government to the tune of over N600 million through suspicious contracts to procure military boats.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge, even as the prosecution counsel, Mohammed Bello, asked the court for a trial date.

However, the defence team, led by Mr. Karina Tunyan (SAN) and Mr. Shareef Mohammed, prayed the court to grant the accused persons bail, pending their trial.

After listening to the parties, Justice Kekemeke adjourned the matter to May 16 for ruling on the bail applications.

The judge ordered that they be remanded in Kuje Prison, pending the determination of their bail applications.