ICPC arraigns FERMA staff for awarding self N12m road maintenance contract
An official of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Mr. Anthony Odoma, has been arraigned before Hon. Justice Edong of Federal Capital Territory High Court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for allegedly awarding a contract to a company in which he was the director and a shareholder.
Mr. Odoma, who is Chief Technical Officer (Highways) with the Federal Ministry of Works, Power and Housing, was arraigned on a 1-count charge bordering on holding “a private interest in a contract awarded to Odoma Investment Limited by FERMA for the repairs of failed sections of Damaturu-Biu road worth N12million, a contract that is indirectly connected to his office.”
Odoma pleaded not guilty to the charge read to him.
His counsel, Mr. Adegizi, sought the relief of the court to grant his client “liberal bail” pending the determination of the case.
However, in a swift reaction, ICPC counsel, John Paul Okwor, prayed the court to grant bail under conditions that would compel the defendant to attend trial.
Having listened to the submissions of both parties, the trial judge therefore granted bail to the accused in the sum of N2million and two sureties in like sum who must be civil servants in the Federal Civil Service – not below Grade Level 14 and whose identities must be established.
Mr. Odoma was remanded in Kuje prison pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions while the case has been adjourned to March 21, 2018 for commencement of hearing.
If convicted, the accused shall be liable to 7 years imprisonment.
