Bishop Katung Jonas, Secretary Re-arraigned in Jos Court Over Multi-Million Naira Scam
Two executives of the Covenant Fadama Multi-purpose Cooperative Society were on Thursday re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Sharon T. Ishaya of the Federal High Court in Jos, Plateau State, on charges of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, and money laundering amounting to ₦178,885,000.
The accused – Secretary Okewole Dayo, and Chairman Bishop Katung Jonas – face a 23-count charge following EFCC investigations which revealed that the cooperative was allegedly formed to defraud members through false investment promises.
The funds were laundered via several bank accounts and proxies and used to acquire properties in Jos and Kaduna.
One charge, Count 2, alleges: “You, OKEWOLE DAYO (Alias OKEWOLE DAVID DAYO) and BISHOP KATUNG JONAS, being Secretary and Chairman of Covenant Fadama Cooperative Society, sometime in 2012… did knowingly transfer the sum of ₦50,000,000 (Fifty Million Naira)… which sum represents proceeds of unlawful act.”
Another, Count 8, states: “You… did, with intent to defraud, obtain the sum of ₦10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) from Reke Vida Ltd under the false pretence that you were going to invest the money… and pay a monthly 10% dividend… which you knew to be false.”
Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
EFCC’s counsel, Ibrahim Buba, said they were ready to proceed immediately. “In view of the defendants’ not guilty pleas, we are ready to open our case and bring in our witnesses. We already have a date fixed for tomorrow, my Lord,” he told the court.
Defence lawyers requested an adjournment. J.J. Achi, for the second defendant, cited a personal emergency: “My Lord, my brother is critically ill and was brought from Kaduna. He is to be moved into theatre, and my attention is urgently required,” he said.
C.I. Nwogbo, for the first defendant, also asked for more time. “I just recently joined the case and applied for the Certified True Copies of documents attached to the proof of evidence on April 2. I have not received them yet, and there are logistical issues with my client who does not reside in Jos,” he explained.
Justice Ishaya, displeased with the delay, said: “The prosecution is coming all the way from Abuja. I do not appreciate a situation where counsel travels such a distance without making any progress.”
Asked about witnesses, Buba said: “We initially had 18 witnesses on our list, but due to the passage of time, some are now inaccessible and two are deceased. There may be a need to add new witnesses.”
The judge adjourned the trial until July 22 and 23, 2025.
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