EFCC arrests man on suspicion of $63,590 fraud
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The Lagos Command Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned one Abdulhamid Isah at an Ikeja High Court on charges of fraud of $63,599.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Isah was charged with three counts of obtaining money by false pretenses, theft and retention of proceeds of criminal activity.
NAN also reported that the defendant was tried before Justice Ismail Igel, where he pleaded not guilty to all charges.
EFCC Prosecutor Nwandu Ukoha told the court that the defendant obtained $63,590 under false pretenses sometime in October 2022.
Mr Ukoha said the defendant also stole the said amount belonging to one Chinedu Ugokwe.
He informed the court that the money was given to Isa for exchange into Naira equivalent but the defendant failed to do so.
The prosecutor further stated that the defendant also kept the said amount as suspected proceeds of criminal activities.
According to him, these offenses violate Article 1(1)(2) and (3) of the Advance Payment Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offenses Act No. 14 of 2006.
He said these offenses fall under Sections 278(1)(b), (2)(1) and 285(1) of the Lagos State Penal Code No. 11 of 2011 and Section 17 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. He said it also violates the Articles. (Enacted) Act of 2004.
Mr. Ukoha asked the court to remand the defendant accordingly until the trial begins.
He also said that bail applications by defense attorneys should be left to the court's discretion.
Advocate Emmanuel Ogbeche filed a bail application praying that the court grant the application and remand the defendant to EFCC custody.
As a result, the judge granted the defendant bail in the amount of NOK 5 million with two sureties of the same amount.
Mr Ijeru said one of the sureties must be related to the defendant and reside in Lagos.
He also said the surety must provide evidence of a reliable source of livelihood and require the defendant to appear in court at each court date.
The judge then ordered the defendant to be remanded to Ikoyi Correctional Center until bail is set.
He then adjourned the matter until February 1, 2024 for trial.
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Source: guardian.ng