I am not guilty of any charge – Zaura

By Al’amin Ciroma

As the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigns the governorship candidate of the Green Party of Nigeria (GPN), and others, before Justice Lewis Allagoa of the Federal High Court, Kano on a nine-count charge of criminal conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretense to the tune of $1,320,000, the gubernatorial candidate insist that the case is stage managed to smear his political chances.

Zaura has denied collecting any money from any persons, adding that he had denied that from the EFCC and equally state that he is not guilty of the charges against him in the court. Adding that the case is in the court and it is only the court that will determine the truth.

“I want to say that from inception the EFCC I have categorically denied the petition that was levelled against me at the EFCC, and also stated not guilty of the charges in the court. But since the matter is before the court, it shall be determined,” said Zaura.

But sources told our correspondent that the case is purely politics. The source further said it was a plan to counter the GPN guber candidate’s chances of making up his political ambition.

“We see this as one of the political power plays, but we are hopeful that Alhaji Zaura will emerge victorious from the court,” says the source who spoke anonymously with our correspondent.

Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to January 29 and 30, 2019 for further hearing.