The founder of Daar Holdings Plc, Raymond Dokpesi, on Wednesday appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of fraud, by his company, during the 2015 general elections.
Mr. Dokpesi is facing a six-count bordering on corruption and violation of the public procurement law, brought against him by the Federal Government.
The charges include receiving purported contract through the presidential media initiative by Daar investment and holding company, to the tune of N2.1 billion.
The company received the sum through the office of the National Security Adviser, without a “certificate of no objection” from the office of the Bureau of Public Procurement, the government says.
The company is also alleged to have received the said sum without any competitive bidding for the contract.
Mr. Dokpesi is also alleged to have made the proposal for the said contract on behalf of his company without any comprehensive request for same by the Federal Government.
The Nigerian Government alleges that Mr. Dokpesi therefore committed procurement fraud, with its company, through the office of the National Security Adviser.
Mr. Dokpesi pleaded not guilty to all six charges.
The court plans to reopen the case in February 2016 for hearing. Meantime, it adjourned till Thursday to allow the defense counsel present its plea for bail.