Fuel Subsidy Scam: Tukur Stands Surety for Son

Fresh facts emerged that the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, may have stood as surety for his son, Mahmud, to travel abroad despite repeated explanations by Tukur that he would not interfere in his son’s trial.

Mahmud is among the suspects who were recently arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government of billions of naira in the fuel subsidy scam.

 There had been pressure for the PDP national chairman to resign his position, following the arraignment of his son and others suspects but he had assured those calling for him to step down that he will not interfere in his son’s trial since he was old enough to defend himself.

However, indication that Tukur may have had a rethink emerged when some directors of OM&Ts, who recently regained their freedom after meeting their bail terms, approached an Ikeja High Court, seeking the permission of the court to travel abroad.

Those who applied for the release of their international passports to enable them travel abroad alongside Tukur’s son are Abdullahi Alao, son of the prominent businessman, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arikesola-Alao, and Mr. Felix Ochonogor.

The three defendants were in July arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo by the EFCC. Their offences bordered on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, forgery and use of false documents.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/fuel-subsidy-scam-tukur-stands-surety-for-son/122963/