Trader charged with defrauding city miller maize flour worth Sh8.6 million
A Director of a mega city store has been charged with defrauding a city miller maize flour worth Sh8.6million.
Abdi Mohammed Ali of Mega Wholesalers in Eastleigh within Nairobi County was accused of defrauding Wakulima Flour Millers Limited maize flour running into millions.
The commodity has been in high demand within the country.
Ali who was charged before Milimani law courts chief magistrate Susan Shitubi denied the charge filed against him by the prosecution led by a senior principal prosecutor Ms Nyakira Kibera.
In the charge before court, Ali was accused of receiving the maize meal flour from Wakulima Floor Millers Limited on diverse dates between November 29, 2022 and January 11,2023 while pretending he was in a position to pay for the flour worth Sh8,657,507.
Applying for his release on bond, the a defence lawyer told the court the criminal case arises from another suit pending determination at the High Court.
the magistrate heard there were negotiations going on to settle the matter out of court.
The defence attorney added that they have already deposited Sh 1million to the Wakulima Millers accounts.
The lawyer stated if the civil dispute is settled then the criminal proceedings will automatically lapse.
The defence put up a spirited fight to defer plea taking pending the settlement in civil dispute.
The defence lawyers also urged to be indulged to file a consent for settlement of the claim praying for three months to conclude the exercise.
Ms Kibera opposed the defence plea saying a criminal element has been demonstrated in the transaction.
Ms Kibera asked the magistrate to reject the deferral request since both cases-civil and criminal case proceed simultaneously.
Ms Shitubi remanded the accused in custody until August 2,2023, when she will rule on the bail application.
Ms Shitubi was urged to release Ali on bond since he is not a flight risk and has invested heavily in Kenya.
Also read: EXCLUSIVE: Akothee’s sister Cebbie Koks reveals cost of her wedding ring
FKF, Fifa launch mobile application to aid young footballers