A Sokoto State High Court, sitting in Sokoto, on Friday remanded Lukuman Sani Waziri, a former Accountant with the Finance Department of Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto in prison custody, pending the determination of his bail application.

This followed his arraignment by the Sokoto Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on one count charge of obtaining money by false pretense to the tune of N249,984,847.62 (Two hundred and forty nine million, nine hundred and eighty four thousand, eight hundred and forty seven naira, sixty two kobo).

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, S.H Sa’ad asked for a trial date and that the defendant to be remanded in prison custody.

But the defense counsel, J. E Ochidi (SAN), informed the court of a pending bail application for his client, urging the court to grant his prayers.

However, the prosecution objected, arguing that it needed time to respond.

Justice Dogodaji adjourned the matter till March 25 for hearing of the bail application, and April 7, 2021 for trial.

The defendant was remanded in prison custody.