The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has offered a plea deal to Ahmed Idris, the former Accountant General of the Federation, and other defendants in the N109 billion fraud and gratuity case brought against them.
The disclosure was made on Wednesday in front of the Abuja-based Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Idris, Godfrey Olusegun Akindele, and Mohammed Kudu Usman, who had pleaded not guilty to all allegations including the diversion of cash from the Federation Account for personal use, were granted bail on July 28 by the court.
Ayatudin Suleiman, an investigator at the EFCC headquarters, was called as a witness by the anti-graft organisation. She alleged that the AGF and others were utilising a consultancy business to launder state funds.
Idris sent a third party to negotiate a plea deal with the EFCC, according to Rotimi Jacobs, an attorney for the agency, who made the claim in open court on Wednesday.
He claimed that he insisted the plea deal could only take place with his attorney present.
Chris Uche SAN, Idris' attorney, objected, claiming that the EFCC had secretly invited his client to the agency's office.
He requested a break because he had not been able to talk to his client about the case enough.
The court subsequently adjourned to October 4.