The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the deputy chief registrar of the federal high court in Port Harcourt, Rivers state.
The suspect identified as Nkem Apollonia Mba was arraigned on July 19, over her alleged involvement in fraudulent activities including abuse of office among others.
In a statement issued on Monday, the ICPC spokesperson, Azuka Ogugua, said the accused had pleaded not guilty to the charges as her counsel prayed the court to grant her bail.
The statement said, “Mrs. Mba was docked on a three-count charge before Justice Leteem Nyordee, of the Federal High Court 12, Port Harcourt, for offences bordering on abuse of office and corrupt demand of gratification by a public officer.
“One of the counts revealed that the Deputy Chief Registrar received a kickback of N500,000 through her bank account from the purchase of Automotive Gas Oil popularly known as diesel and other products. She however argued that the money was her two percent entitlement according to Order 16 of the Admiralty Jurisdiction (Procedure Rule) 2011.
“The court heard that her offence contravened Section 10 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and is punishable under relevant sections of the same Act.
“The accused pleaded “Not Guilty” when the charge was read to her. Consequently, her counsel, S. Somiari applied for bail praying the court to grant her bail on liberal terms.”
ICPC said the bail application was not opposed by Agada Akogwu, the prosecuting counsel as the accused was admitted to bail in the sum of N500,000 with a surety who must have landed property in Port Harcourt.
It added that the accused was required to deposit her international passport with the court registrar while the case was adjourned to July 26 for the continuation of the trial.
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