The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday, October 18, 2012, arraigned the trio of Obim Onowo, Michael Nnanna Oti and Joy Michael Oti before Justice Aishat Opesanwo of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on a two count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretences.

The three accused persons allegedly defrauded one Mr Adizu Nwakuche of N5, 000,000.00 (Five Million Naira only) under the pretence of supplying him petroleum products.

One of the charges against them reads: "that you Obim Onowo, Michael Nnanna Oti and Joy Michael Oti on or about 24th January, 2011, at Ikeja within Ikeja Judicial Division, with intent to defraud, knowingly and fraudulently obtained the sum of N5, 000,000.00(Five Million Naira Only) from Mr Adizu Nwakuche when you falsely represented to him that the money was meant for the supply of petroleum products to him which representation you knew to be false".

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. EFCC Counsel, Kayode Oni, prayed the court to fix a date for trial and to remand the accused persons in prison custody. However, counsel to the first accused person, A. Anozia said he had not filed an application for bail.
He asked for a short adjourned date for hearing of bail application. Counsel to the 2nd and 3rd accused persons, Obina Amechi aligned his position with Anozi and urged the court to remand the accused persons in EFCC custody.
Justice Opesanwo, after listening to all their submissions, adjourned the case to 25 October, 2012 for hearing of bail applications and 6 December, 2012 for commencement of trial.

Wilson Uwujaren
Ag. Head, Media and Publicity
October 18, 2012