The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wednesday, arraigned the former Director General of SMEDAN, Bature Umar Masari over alleged N104.7 million money laundering and proceeds of gratification.

Daily Post reports that Masari was brought before Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja.

Spokesman of the anti-graft Commission, Tony Orilade in a statement said Masari pleaded not guilty over the charge, while his lawyer, A. Magaji (SAN), urged the court to admit his client to bail.

Magaji, reportedly came by way of oral application and, argued that his client was entitled to bail and urged the court to grant him temporary freedom.

But the Prosecution counsel, Ekele Ihenacho, opposed the oral application by the senior advocate.

According to the prosecution counsel, there was the need for the senior advocate to place material facts on behalf of his client before the court, saying that the development will enable the judge to have an informed opinion on the matter.

Having listened to the arguments of Magaji and Ihenacho, Justice Abang adjourned the matter to Friday, April 12, for ruling on bail application.

The judge, it was learnt, later ordered the ex-SMEDAN DG to be remanded in Kuje Prison.