EFCC arrests three bankers for alleged N51.9m fraud

The Lagos Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested three bankers over an alleged case of conspiracy, stealing, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence.

The suspects- Kagha Uchenna, Okoro Davidson and Egbogu Obiora, who are employees of a new generation bank, allegedly conspired and defrauded a customer of the bank of N51, 978, 883. 37.

Investigations revealed that the trio forged the signature and National Identification Number of the customer, activated his mobile banking application and fraudulently withdrew the money.

A statement on Monday by the EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said, “The suspects, who were arrested on July 7, 2021 at the Nsukka, Enugu branch of the bank, have volunteered statements and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

Also, the anti-graft agency on Monday, arraigned one Naankang Dawan, his companies: Taen Nigeria Ltd, Lataen Engineering Ltd alongside Moruf Tunji Olukanmi before Justice D. V Agishi of the Federal High Court, Jos, Plateau State on 31-count bordering on conspiracy, money laundering and obtaining N908 million by false pretence.

Dawan, who reportedly inherited some companies including a petrol station from his family, allegedly connived with some staff of First Bank, including Moruf Olukanmi, to defraud customers using a Point of Sale terminal allocated to him.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Based on their pleas, prosecution counsel Benjamin Manji asked for a trial date and also remanded them at the correctional centre pending trial.

But defence counsel, A.G Yirvoms informed the Court of a pending application for the bail of his clients.

Justice Agishi adjourned the case till July 26, 2021 for consideration of bail application and October 6, 2021, for trial.