The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has charged to court, a former local government chairman of Birnin Kudu Local Government Area in Jigawa State, Alhaji Mohammed M. Babaldu for allegedly awarding contracts without budget provisions.

A statement by ICPC issued yesterday said Alhaji Babaldu was arraigned on Monday last week before a Jigawa State High Court in Dutse on a four count charge for not following due process in awarding a road contract to the tune of N166, 907, 475.

ICPC said, "The accused awarded the said contract without budget provision, approval or cash backing. This action contravenes sections 22 (a) and 22 (5) of the corrupt practices Act, 2000."

"He was also accused of transferring money from one head to another thereby committing virement contrary to the provision of the ICPC Act 2000."

Alhaji Babaldu pleaded not guilty to all the charges and was granted bail in the sum of N200, 000.