The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated legal proceedings against a couple, Simon Udeani and Dorcas, alongside Johnson Aniekwe, as they face charges related to fraud.
The arraignment took place before Justice M.G. Umar of the Federal High Court in Enugu.
The charges brought against Simon Udeani and Dorcas involve the alleged obtaining of N2,750,000 by false pretenses in connection to a land fraud case.
The prosecution, as stated on the official EFCC handle on Tuesday, outlined one of the charges, accusing the Udeanis of inducing Onugu Angela Chinyere to part with N2.7 million under the false pretense of selling her a plot of land behind Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ala-Uguaji along Enugu/Port Harcourt Road.
The charges levied against the couple included offenses contrary to Section 1 (1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same act.
During the arraignment, the Udeanis pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the plea, the prosecuting counsel, Nurudeen Ingawa, requested a trial date, while the defense counsel, E.C. Nwauba Esq, sought bail for the defendants. Justice Umar granted bail to Simon Udeani and Dorcas in the sum of N5 million each, with one surety in like sum.
The case has been adjourned until February 6, 2024.
In a separate case, Johnson Aniekwe faced a three-count charge before Justice Cyprian Ajah of the Enugu State High Court.
The charges included obtaining N9,170,000 by false pretense, forgery, and impersonation. Aniekwe pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecuting counsel Nurudeen Ingawa requested a trial date, and defense counsel A.G. Anyigo prayed for bail for the defendant. Justice Ajah granted the bail application, and the case has been scheduled for further proceedings on March 7, 2024.
These legal actions highlight the EFCC’s commitment to combating fraud and related offenses, ensuring that individuals engaging in deceptive practices are held accountable for their actions.
The judicial process will play a crucial role in determining the guilt or innocence of the accused parties, underscoring the significance of due process and the rule of law in addressing financial crimes.
