Saamee, Arif deny corruption charges

Former Director General of Ministry of Finance Saamee Ageel, and former Assistant Director of Ministry of Finance Ali Arif have denied the corruption charges filed against them by the state.

At the trial at Criminal Court today, after the state presented the charges, both Samee and Arif requested for the opportunity to appoint lawyers to represent them in court.

Presenting the charges, Senior Public Prosecutor Abdulla Rabiu said that an agreement was signed with Centre Enterprises in 2010 regarding the purchase of five cars, but the cars that were purchased did not match the specifications mentioned in the agreement.

The state accused Saamee and Arif of defying a decision by the Property Section of the Ministry of Finance, and releasing funds to Centre Enterprises as payment for the five cars.

Judge Muhthaz Fahmy gave the accused three days to appoint lawyers, before adjourning the trial.