An Abuja High Court has remanded a former Minister of State for Power, MOHAMMED WAKIL, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of corruption.

Wakil, who was arrested by the EFCC at his Abuja residence, was arraigned before Justice SULEIMAN BELGORE on two counts bordering on corruption and abuse of office.

According to the anti-graft agency, the former minister allegedly received 118 million naira as gratification from a private firm out of the monies approved as outstanding insurance premiums of deceased and incapacitated staff of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria.

The former minister, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges, with the court adjourning the matter until March 31, 2021, for the determination of bail application.