Tension rose in Minna, Niger State, yesterday over the planned arraignment of former Governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today.

The EFCC formerly filed six-count charge bothering on fraud and abuse of office against Dr. Aliyu at the state High Court last Thursday even as his counsels have also filed motion for his bail.

The case is billed for hearing at the High Court II and would be presided over by Justice Mohammed Aliyu Maiyaki.

A source said security high command in the state was not leaving anything to chance because of the personality involved. The Commissioner of Police, Malam Zubairu Mazu and his men were also sighted at the High Court yesterday ahead of the trial.

Our correspondent learnt that the security beef-up might have been informed by a running rumour that certain elements were planning to embarrass the former governor while his supporters were ready for a counter-action.

The Niger State Police Command responded to the rumour later yesterday when it said in a statement by the Commissioner of Police that any ‘disgruntled elements’ who might try to take advantage of the arraignment of the former governor to foment trouble by way of protest or processions would be dealt with according to the law.

The state government, in a statement being broadcast on the state radio yesterday, distanced itself from any plan to boo the former governor when he is brought to court today.

The Commissioner for Information Mr Jonathan Tsado Vatsa said the government had no hand in the travails of the former governor.