The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Chairman, Onitsha/Odekpe Plastic Market Association, Obinna Calistus Okoli, for allegedly obtaining under false pretense to the tune of N6.7 million.
EFCC said in a statement on Friday that Okoli was arraigned before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, sitting in Awka, Anambra State
“Okoli was arraigned on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 alongside Onitsha/Odekpe Plastic Market Association on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining under false pretence to the tune of N6,700,000.0.” EFCC said.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
EFCC’s counsel, Nuradeen Shehu Ingawa prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at the Correctional Centre.
The defence counsel, E. O. Igowe made an oral application for bail but was vehemently opposed by Ingawa who reminded the defence counsel that it was a court of records.
Justice Dimgba thereafter adjourned the matter till Friday, February 16 for hearing of bail application. The defendants were remanded at the EFCC custody.
The defendant was arrested by operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the EFCC when a petitioner alleged that Okoli fraudulently obtained N6.7 million from him in order to help him secure four lock-up shops at a proposed mall to be built at water melon land in Anambra state.
The petitioner says that after making payment for the shops, he discovered that the defendant had no shops left to be allocated to him and all efforts made to get his money back proved abortive.
