Court Sets Trial Date For Four Abuja Company Executives Accused Of N201m Fraud

Court Sets Trial Date For Four Abuja Company Executives Accused Of N201m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced that the trial of four Abuja company executives allegedly involved in a N201 million fraud will commence on May 6, 2024……READ ALSO EFCC Presents Further Evidence Against P&ID Director In $9.6 Billion Scam Case At Abuja High Court

Justice K.N. Ogbonnaya of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Zuba fixed the commencement of the trial during a recent session.

According to the EFCC, the defendants—Harry Ositadinma Samuel, Ayodele Raymond, Gowon Usman Egbunu, Alhaji Nuhu Amanabo, and Beligetto Holding Company Limited—were arraigned on February 29, 2024, on two-count charges bordering on obtaining by false pretense.

The anti-graft agency alleges that the defendants obtained five units of Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) valued at N201 million from a petitioner under the guise of delivering them to the Nigeria Correctional Service as part of a supply contract. However, they neither paid for the vehicles nor returned them to the petitioner.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the prosecution counsel, Khalid Sanusi, to request a commencement date for the trial and the remand of the defendants at a correctional center.

Justice Ogbonnaya granted bail to the defendants based on self-recognition and age, with strict orders for their appearance in court on trial days. They signed a bond to comply with these orders, with the provision that noncompliance would lead to the revocation of the bond and their detention in a correctional facility until the end of the trial.

Additionally, a N50 million bond was set for Beligetto Holding Company Limited.

The judge ordered accelerated hearing of the matter and adjourned proceedings until May 6, 7, 8, and 13, 14, 15, and 16, 2024.