EFCC arraigns man for alleged N15.5m theft

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned a man, Mike Obaze, before an Ikeja Special Offences Court for allegedly stealing N15.5 million, proceeds from car sales.

Obaze, whose residential address was not provided, was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on stealing, proffered against him by the EFCC.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

EFCC Counsel, Mr Ahmed Yerima, prayed the court for a trial date.

The defence counsel, Ms Nneka Nkana, informed the court of summon for bail application dated Feb. 13.

Nkana also told the court that the defence would call two witnesses.

Yerima, however, informed the court that he had just been served and he needed some time to go through it.

He also notified the court that the prosecution would call three witnesses against the defendant.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences in November and Dec.8 2021 in Lagos.

He submitted that the defendant allegedly converted the sum of seven million naira, proceeds from the sale of Mercedes Benz GL 12 Model, property of one Mr Anene Nwandukwe.

He also alleged that the defendant converted the sum of N8.5 million, proceeds from the purchase of Toyota Corolla 2015 Model and Toyota Camry 2011 Model, to his personal use.

According to the commission, the alleged offence contravenes Section of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe said in the interim, the defendant would be remanded at the correctional centre.

Abike-Fadipe, however, adjourned the case until Feb. 22 for hearing of bail application.