By Abdul Lauya
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned Usman Zakari, the Chief Bailiff of the Gombe State High Court, for alleged fraudulent conversion of N9.8 million.
Zakari was arraigned before Justice Haruna H. Kereng of Gombe State High Court 3 on July 2, 2025.
The one-count charge was filed by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the EFCC.
According to the EFCC, Zakari was entrusted with auctioning property in suit No. GM/329M/2023 in October 2023.
The auction yielded N14 million, from which N4.18 million was paid to the judgment creditor, Ahmed Umaru.
Zakari allegedly dishonestly converted the remaining N9.82 million instead of remitting it to the judgment debtor.
The alleged offence is contrary to Section 308 and punishable under Section 309 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.
Zakari pleaded not guilty to the charge during his arraignment.
Prosecution counsel M. O. Tijani requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant in correctional custody.
Defence counsel Yusuf A. Aliyu moved a motion for bail on behalf of his client.
Justice Kereng granted Zakari bail on self-recognisance, noting his status as a court staff.
The court adjourned the case to July 30, 2025, for trial.
