The trial of Minister of State for Health Alhaji Suleiman Bello will go ahead today, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) said yesterday.
The Minister, who was served a notice of trial on Thursday, will face an eight-count charge for alleged corrupt enrichment of about N11.2million.
As the Resident Electoral Commissioner of Adamawa State, he was alleged to have conferred a corrupt advantage upon himself when he unlawfully solicited from Governor Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State about N11,245,000 as ’hardship allowance.’
The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
The Federal High Court in Yola on December 21, 2010 granted leave for his trial. Investigation revealed that the fate of the Minister has caused a split in the Presidency with some powerful forces in the Presidency suggesting that the Minister ought not to resign.
The ICPC in a statement yesterday through its Resident Media Consultant, Mr. Folu Olamiti, said there is no going back on the trial of the Minister.
The statement said: "The Minister of State for Health Hon Sulaiman Bello and two former top government Officials of Adamawa State government will be arraigned on Monday (today) by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over their alleged involvement in a N268million bribe scam.
"Those to be arraigned alongside the Minister are a former Secretary to Adamawa State Government, Mr. John Eddie Mannassa and Former Commissioner for Finance in the State, Mr. Emmanuel Vahyala. The three accused persons are to be arraigned separately before the court."
