The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned three suspected fraudsters for obtaining the sum of N3.8 million under false pretence.
The Commission which said this in a statement noted that the suspects whose names are Helen Oyelowo, Manshop Christopher and Paul Okache were arraigned before Justice Adeyemi Ajayi on 14-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences on Tuesday.
The EFCC explained that the suspects were accused of obtaining money from Nwoye Emmanuel, Gbolade Adediran, Joseph Kingo, Nwosu Chinyere, Dagett Zaram and Kemi Oluwatoyin totaling totalling N3.8 million representing 50% Processing Fee of COVID-19 grant for civil servants.
They are also alleged to have collected a total sum of N547,615 as 10% Legal Fee of a COVID-19 grant for civil servants.
Count 17 of the charge alleged that the 3rd defendant retained the control of the aggregate sum of N547,615 purportedly as 10% Legal Fees of a COVID-19 grant for civil servants, proceeds of criminal conduct on Manshop Christopher an offense contrary to Section 17(a) and punishable under Section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004′.
The suspects all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
Based on their pleas, the defence counsels applied for bail and were granted in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties in like sum who must be civil servants on not less than grade level 13.
They were remanded in a custodial centre till their bail conditions are perfected.
The matter was adjourned till September 20, 2022 for commencement of trial.
In the same vein, the Gombe Zonal Command of the EFCC secured the conviction of one Enoch Buba at the Gombe High Court on one count charge bordering on cheating.
The defendant allegedly received products worth N700,000 meant for one Adamu Abubakar but failed to deliver them.
He was convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of N20,000 fine.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
