EFCC arraigns 2 for alleged N56m fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned a woman, Jennifer Ezeagu, and a man, Goodnews Imah, for allegedly obtaining N56 million under false pretences.

Ezeagu and Imah, are standing trial before an Ikeja Special Offences Court, on a five-count count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, obtain by false pretences and forgery.

EFCC Counsel, Mr Sulieman Suleiman, told the court that the defendants with one Nige Vitalis, still at large, committed the offences between May 11 and June 13 in Lagos.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants conspired and fraudulently obtained the sum of N56 million, belonging to one Mrs Patience Abel.

He said that the defendants obtained the money under the pretext of investing in a supplement business.

According to him, the defendants fraudulently told the complainant that they will supply supplements to her from a hospital in Uganda, a representation they knew to be false.

The prosecution said the defendants failed to supply the goods but converted the said sum to their own use.

EFCC said the offences violated Sections 280,365 and 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015 and Sections 1(3) and 8 of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences, 2006.

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

EFCC counsel, thereafter, urged the court to remand the duo in a correctional centre pending commencement of trial.

Suleiman also informed court that the prosecution intended to call 12 witnesses to testify against the defendants.

Counsel to the first defendant, Mr Franker Umeri, moved an application for bail on behalf of his client and prayed the court to grant bail on liberal terms.

Umeri, said that his client would always make herself available for trial.

The second Defence Counsel, Mr U. Enwerem, also moved a bail application on behalf of his client and prayed the court to grant him bail.

Justice Rahman Oshodi, remanded the defendants at Ikoyi Custodial Centre pending the commencement of trial.

Oshodi said the ruling on the bail application would be communicated to the counsel.

He adjourned the case until Feb. 12, 2025 for trial.