Court orders arrest former gombe governor goje alleged n25bn fraud

Here is the information you requested:

Court Orders Arrest of Former Gombe Governor, Goje, Over Alleged N25bn Fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the arrest of a former Governor of Gombe State, Danjuma Goje, over alleged fraud involving N25 billion.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu issued the warrant of arrest on Monday, following an application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Goje, who is currently a Senator representing Gombe Central, is accused of misappropriating N25 billion while he was the Governor of Gombe State between 2003 and 2011.

The EFCC had earlier filed a 17-count charge against Goje, alleging that he used the funds for personal gain and to fund his political activities.

The court had earlier granted Goje bail in the sum of N500 million, but the EFCC had asked the court to revoke the bail and issue a warrant of arrest against him, citing his failure to appear in court.

In her ruling, Justice Ojukwu ordered that Goje be arrested and brought before the court to face trial.

The court also ordered that the former Governor's passport be seized and that he should not be allowed to travel outside the country until the case is concluded.

Goje's lawyer, Mr. Akin Olujimi, had earlier argued that his client was not a flight risk and that he was willing to appear in court to face trial.

However, the EFCC had argued that Goje's failure to appear in court was a deliberate attempt to evade justice and that he should be arrested and brought before the court.

The case has been adjourned to March 25 for further hearing.

Source: Punch Newspapers