The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has begun a search for AbdulKareem AbdulSalam Zaura, popularly called A.A Zaura over alleged fraud involving $1.3 million.
A.A Zaura is the Kano Central senatorial candidate under the ruling All Progressives Congress.
According to the EFCC Counsel, Ahmad Rogha, on Monday, at the resumption of the criminal trial of $1.3million slammed on A.A Zaura at the Federal High Court sitting in Kano, a manhunt for the politician has been launched.
The trial of Zaura was reportedly stalled by the absence of the trial judge, who is said to be attending other national issues outside Kano.
The commission’s lawyer, however, said that the Kano-based politician is expected to submit himself to the EFCC.
“We are looking for Zaura and he will be arrested as soon as we find him. Ordinarily, he was supposed to be in our custody and the court has affirmed that but I can assure you he would be arrested and brought to court for the next adjourned date January 30, 2023.”
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In his counterargument, Ibrahim Waru, the counsel to the accused person, faulted the position of EFCC insisting the commission did not possess any legal authority to arrest his client.
While answering questions from newsmen on the reason for his client’s absence at the Monday morning trial, Waru said there was no need for him to appear since the court did not sit.
Before the adjourned date, the trial judge, Justice Mohammad Yunusa, ordered EFCC to produce the accused person for arraignment on the allegation of fraud against him by a Kuwaiti national.
Justice Yunusa had overruled Zaura’s application that challenged the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case and other addresses bordering on whether the accused must appear in person to take plea.
Zaura’s attorney, had argued that his client under the law was not compelled to appear before the court, insisting Zaura’s appeal was pending before the Supreme Court.
The arraignment was adjourned to January 30, 2023.