N2bn fraud: Ex-AGF Otunla may have jumped bail - EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) believes former Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Jonah Otunla, who is facing charges of money laundering, may have jumped bail.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had in 2017 approved the application of the EFCC to prefer criminal charges against Otunla and eight other companies, but Otunla has not appeared to take his plea.

At the resumed hearing yesterday, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir asked the court for time to produce Otunla, who he said may have jumped administrative bail, granted him by the anti-graft agency.

Defence counsel, Ahmed Raji (SAN) informed the court that Otunla was recuperating from ill-health in the United States, while asking for more time to enable him return to face trial.

Otunla was charged alongside Gold Reef Industries Limited, Lambster Nigeria Limited, G.C Electronic Limited, Sinmilak Nigeria Limited, Wehsac Farms Limited, Shepherded Field Global Resources Limited and Stellavera Development Company Limited.

EFCC alleged that the former AGF illegally diverted N2billion from the account of the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) between June and August, 2013.

Justice Nnamdi Dimgba has adjourned the case to February 27 for hearing.