FCDA staff denies land bribery scandal

All Africa reports that Federal Capital Development Authority, FCDA staff Mr Ehimony Joshua has denied demanding N35 million each from 15 allotees of 206 hectares of land in Kyami District Abuja.

Joshua, who is of Legal Services Secretariat of the FCDA was accused during a public hearing of the Senate Committee on FCT by three out of the 15 allotees.

Senate had as a result of a petition on the alleged plan by the FCDA to revoke three plots out of the 203 hectares of land located in Kyami, mandated its committee on FCT chaired by Senator Dino Melaye (APC) to investigate the matter.

One of the petitioners, Lady Laurel King, alleged that Joshua in a recorded telephone conversation with her project coordinator, Bishop David Angel on 23rd March 2016, submitted two different personal bank accounts into which her own N35million bribe should be paid in sums of N30 and N5million respectively, but which she however said was not paid.

Responding, Joshua denied the allegation and said he was ready to defend himself.

Melaye ordered the FCTA authority to set up an investigative panel for further probe of the allegation at their own level.

He said the Senate committee will submit its findings and recommendation to the Senate on resumption from recess next month.

Source: All Africa