A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Monday said a former Minister of state for power, Muhammad Wakil, will remain in prison custody till March 31, 2021.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arraigned Wakil in court over his alleged involvement in the mismanagement of the N27 billion set aside for the payment of the retirement benefits to staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).
Wakil, a former lawmaker, was charged alongside two companies-Corozzeria Nigeria Limited and Pikat Properties Nigeria Limited.
Counsel for the prosecution, Benjamin Manji, asked the court to set a date for commencement of trial and for the remand of the defendant at a Correctional Centre, pending trial.
However counsel for the defendants, B.C Igwilo SAN, prayed the court to grant bail to the 1st defendant. The prosecution counsel opposed the oral application, but urged the court to order the defendant to file the application formally.
Justice S.,B. Belgore adjourned the matter till March 31, 2021 for determination of bail application and remanded the defendant in the custody of the EFCC.
