Building engineer docked for allegedly misappropriating coy funds

A building engineer, Abdul Mohammed, was on Thursday docked in a Dutse Magistrates’ Court in Abuja for allegedly over misappropriating N2.5 million company funds.

The police charged Mohammed, 40, with criminal breach of trust, cheating and misappropriation of funds.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecuting Counsel, Mr Babajide Olanipekun, told the court that Alkhaleej Rentals Nigeria Ltd. of Dawaki, Abuja, reported the matter at the Dawaki Police Divisional Headquarters.

Olanipekun said that on Feb. 2, 2025, Cool Deal Synergy Ltd., a subsidiary of the company, transferred N2.5 million to Mohammed for the purchase of a machinery part, which the defendant promised to purchase and install on or before Feb. 27, 2025.

According to him, after receiving the money, the defendant absconded and all efforts made to reach him failed.

Olanipekun said the defendant was eventually arrested on May 15, 2025.

He said that during police investigation and interrogation, the defendant agreed that he received the money and converting it to his personal use.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 312, 322 and 309 of the Penal Code Law.

The Senior Magistrate, Mrs Evelyn Dara, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500,000, with one surety in like sum.

Dara ordered that the surety must provide a reliable means of identification and reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

She adjourned the matter until Sept. 29 for hearing.