Peter Okoye, PBA Journalism MenteeThe Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zone has prosecuted one Prof Uche Chigozie Edwin for an alleged N1.4bn fraud before Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
Edwin was arraigned alongside his companies, Visionary Integrated Consulting Limited, NEMAD Associates Limited, and Revamp Global Enterprise, on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, retention, and conversion of funds to the tune of N1, 473,367,046.04 (One Billion, Four Hundred and Seventy-three Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-seven Thousand, Forty-six Naira, Four Kobo).
He, however, pleaded “not guilty” to the 11-count charge.
Given his plea, the prosecution counsel, C.C.Okezie, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed that the defendant be remanded.
In his response, the defence counsel, Mobolaji Akintunde, made an application for bail on behalf of his client.
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He further prayed for the court to grant his client bail and then remand him in the EFCC custody pending the perfection of the bail if granted by the court.
In his short ruling, Justice Oweibo admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N1m (One Million Naira) and two sureties in like sum.
He added that the sureties must possess landed property within the jurisdiction of the court, and show a tax clearance certificate of three months as well as their passport photographs.
The defendant was also ordered to drop his passport with the court and the matter was adjourned till June 27, 2023, for the commencement of trial.
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