The accused, a former staff of EMEL Group of Companies Lagos and a self styled importer of baby diapers in January 2015, allegedly approached the petitioner for a loan of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million Naira) to boost importation of his stock with an agreement to pay an interest of N1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in return.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday 11 October, 2016 arraigned one Ikechukwu Onyia Henry before Justice. C.O. Ajah of the State High Court Enugu, on four count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretences and issuance of dud cheques to the tune of N4,500.000.00 (Four million five hundred thousand naira) contrary to Section 1(2)(b) of the Dishonored Cheques (Offences)Act, Cap D11, Laws of the Federation, 2004 and punishable under Section 1(1)(b)(i) of the same Act.
The accused, a former staff of EMEL Group of Companies Lagos and a self styled importer of baby diapers in January 2015, allegedly approached the petitioner for a loan of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million Naira) to boost importation of his stock with an agreement to pay an interest of N1,500,000 (One Million Five Hundred Thousand Naira) in return.
Investigation however revealed that the transaction was fraudulently entered into by the accused solely to use the loan obtained to offset debts incurred from his former office which led to his dismissal. It was also discovered that his company Alteal Enterprises was non functional and without any presence in the registered address.
Eze having failed to pay back the loan and interest thereof, went ahead at various times, to issue six post-dated cheques to the complainant which when presented, were returned unpaid due to insufficient fund in the account.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the four counts charge preferred against him necessitating the prosecuting counsel Muhammad Shehu to apply for a trial date.
However, Justice Ajah granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 and one surety in like sum.
The case has been adjourned to November 7, 2016 for trial.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
11th October, 2016
