A building engineer, Abdul Mohammed, was arraigned on Thursday in the Dutse Magistrates’ Court in Abuja for misappropriating N2.5 million in company funds.

The police charged Mr Mohammed, 40, with criminal breach of trust, cheating and misappropriation of funds. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecuting counsel, Babajide Olanipekun, told the court that Alkhaleej Rentals Nigeria of Dawaki, Abuja, reported the matter at the Dawaki Police Divisional Headquarters.

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

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

Mr 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 converted 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, Evelyn Dara, admitted the defendant to bail of N500,000, with one surety in like sum.

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

She adjourned the matter until September 29 for hearing.

(NAN)