The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned a former Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Benjamin Ezra Dikki.

He faced Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja on four counts of alleged corruption and abuse of office.

Dikki was docked alongside his company, Kebna Studios & Communications Limited, for allegedly receiving about one billion Naira.

The money was alleged gratification from Bestworth Insurance Brokers for his role in facilitating the approval of outstanding insurance premiums and claims of deceased and incapacitated staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The offence was contrary to Section 17(1)(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences ACT, 2000 and punishable under Section (17)(c).

The defendants pleaded “not guilty’’ when the charges were read to them.

The prosecution counsel, Benjamin Menji asked the court for a date to commence trial and to remand the defendant at a Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) facility.

Dikki’s counsel, Abdul Muhammed urged the court to grant his client bail citing Section 158, 162 and 163 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA.

Justice Halilu remanded the defendant in Suleja Correctional Centre and adjourned until March 3, for consideration of bail application.

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