Arms Deal: Raymond Dokpesi arraigned over N2.1billion fraud; ...denied bail

Former Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi has been docked before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged N2.1billion fraud.

He is answering to a 6-count criminal charge that was preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Dokpesi was arraigned before trial Justice Gabriel Kolawole along with his firm, Daar Investment and Holdings Ltd.

The anti-graft agency alleged that he received about N2.1billion from the office of the National Security Adviser between October 2014 and March 19, 2015, specifically for PDP’s presidential media campaign.

The prosecution maintained that the transaction was in breach of provisions of the Public Procurement Act, Money laundering Act and the EFCC Act.

Dokpesi pleaded not guilty to the entire 6-count charge, even as Justice Kolawole adjourned to consider his application for bail.

In the interim, the court gave the EFCC the nod to retain the accused person in its custody.

Justice Kolawole has however fixed February 17, 18 and March 2 and 3, to commence full-blown hearing on the case.