The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned the Director-General of Project Development Institute (PRODA) Enugu, Engr. Dr. Charles Agulanna before Hon. Justice Buba Ibrahim of the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu, for allegedly committing procurement fraud.
According to ICPC, Engr Agulanna, who is facing a 1-count charge, had sometime in August, 2017, while being the Director General of Projects Development Institute, allegedly committed procurement fraud by awarding a contract for the revaluation of land belonging to PRODA in the sum of N23,500,037.50 to T.O. Thomas & Co., even when the company was not a registered surveyor/valuer and did not submit any memorandum of understanding with any registered surveyor/valuer in its tender bid, an offence contrary to section 58(4)(b) and punishable under section 58(5) of the Public Procurement Act 2007.
The accused, Engr. Dr. Agulanna, however pleaded not guilty to the charge when read to him.
The defense counsel, G.D. Joshua Esq, who had earlier submitted a written bail application, prayed the court to grant his client bail, stating that his client was a man of credible personality that would not jump bail.
ICPC counsel, O.J. Ochigbo rather than oppose the bail, he told the court to grant him bail with stringent conditions.
The Presiding Judge, Justice Buba Ibrahim therefore, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N5m and two reliable sureties in like sum.
Justice Ibrahim in addition, asked the defendant and his sureties to submit 2 passport photographs each to the court, and thereafter adjourned the matter to the 21st of October 2021 for hearing.