N40bn loan scam: We ‘ve no case to answer, Bankole, Nafada insist

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri

ABUJA – Erstwhile Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Dimeji Bankole and his deputy, Mr Usman Bayero Nafada, Wednesday, insisted before an Abuja High Court sitting at Apo that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has no case against them.

The duo are answering to a 17-count criminal charge  preferred against them by the anti-graft agency sequel to alleged uncanny role they played in a N40bn loan saga that trailed the 6th session of the House of Representatives.

At the resumed hearing, yesterday, the accused persons contended that the EFCC woefully failed to establish the prima-facie criminal offence they committed by securing loan for the running of the House of Representatives in compliance with laid down procedures in the legislative house, and urged the court to extend the period originally allotted for them to open their defence.

They made the application through their respective lawyers, Chief Olawale Akonni (SAN) and Mr Tayo Oyetibo (SAN).

Following a no objection from the prosecuting counsel, Mr Festus Keyamo, Justice Belgore adjourned the matter till January 16, 2012.

It will be recalled that among those that testified in the matter included the Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa, his counterpart from the House of Representatives, Mr Mohammed Ataba Sani-Omolori, director of Finance and Administration in the House, Mr. Lasisi Bukoye, top officials of the RMAFAC, officials of the two banks that granted the loan facility and EFCC investigators.