The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received a petition to investigate a Senior Advocate of Nigeria for alleged contract fraud.
The SAN was accused of breaching an agreement on a contract worth NI, 310,195,055 awarded by the Kebbi State Government to a company in which the senior lawyer was alleged to have an interest, according to a petition filed by a group under the aegis of Group Against Corruption on June 14, 2022.
According to a petition signed by Mr Benjamin David, the contract was for the supply of beds to the Kalgo Local Government Area of Kebbi State, but the items were never delivered in full, despite Swiss Biostadt, the company introduced to the Kebbi government by the SAN, collecting an upfront sum of N786,117,033.
As a result, the group urged the commission to conduct a thorough investigation into the situation.
Part of the petition addressed to the commission chairman reads, “Sir, it is perplexing for a person of a Senior Advocate of Nigeria who has reached the pinnacle of his legal career to bring a company that siphoned money meant to provide essential facilities that would have strengthened the health delivery services in Kebbi State to bring a company that siphoned money meant to provide essential facilities that would have strengthened the health delivery services in Kebbi State.”
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“The SAN has provided the Kebbi State Government with numerous legal services, and his firm maintains a retainership with the state government.”
He was paid a large sum of money for ostensibly rendered services without remitting taxes on the corresponding payments.
“Sir, it is within all persons and institutions of government in Nigeria’s avowed constitutional responsibilities to expose suspicious financial scandals in order to ensure a corrupt-free society, and the leaders are enjoined to act swiftly in the interest of a peaceful society.”
“In light of the foregoing, we respectfully request that you use your good offices and direct your capable officers to do the following: Examine the contract that was given to Swiss Biostadt Limited.
“Track and trace the contract sum’s linkage to the SAN, investigate payments for which taxes were not remitted to the Government coppers by him, prosecute those involved, recover the looted funds, and ensure the project’s completion.”
Vouchers are attached to the petition as proof of payment to the senior lawyer.
