Fraud trial for Nigeria officials

President Olusegun Obasanjo has promised a crackdown on corruption

Nigeria's former education minister and six others have been charged with fraud in President Olusegun Obasanjo's ongoing campaign against corruption.

Fabian Osuji was indicted with former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, and five other legislature members in the High Court in Abuja on Tuesday.

All deny the charges. They have been bailed to appear for trial on 16 May.

Mr Obasanjo has warned officials their greed is undermining his attempts to win international debt relief.

Lawmakers payment

The seven face a total of 15 charges concerning the giving and receiving of bribes totalling 55m naira ($416,000, £220,000).

Despite pleading not guilty, Mr Osuji has told a Senate committee that he arranged for education ministry funds to be paid to lawmakers in charge of reviewing his budget.

President Obasanjo dismissed Mr Osuji in a televised address after accusing ministers of colluding with the National Assembly to embezzle funds.

Housing Minister Alice Mobolaji Osomo was also sacked this month after more than 200 properties were allocated to top officials rather than going on public sale.

According to Transparency International, Nigeria remains one of the most corrupt countries in the world.