The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, September 22, 2015 arraigned three former bankers - Rita Emmanuel, Orjiri Martins and Monday Chibueze Ben, before Justice G. C. Aguma of the State High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N12,150,000.

Emmanuel, a customer service manager and teller of a new generation bank, allegedly converted the sum of N6,075,000 belonging to some bank customers to personal use. The fraud was allegedly concealed by Martins and Ben. The trio, who were present in court, are alleged to have deliberately conspired to defraud the bank.

One of the charges read: “That you Rita Emmanuel, Orjiri Martins and Monday Chibueze Ben on or about the 3rd day of October, 2014 at the First City and Monument Bank Limited, Ikwere Road branch, Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire with each other to commit felony to wit: stealing and thereby committed an offence contrary to, and punishable under Section 516A of the Criminal Code Law Cap C37 Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1990.”

Another charge reads: “That you Rita Emmanuel on or about the 3rd day of October, 2014 at the First City and Monument Bank Limited, Ikwere Road branch, Port Harcourt, Rivers State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, being the customer service manager and teller of the Said bank, did steal the sum of N6,075,000 by fraudulently converting the said amount which is cash deposits from various customers of the bank and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 383 (1) (a) and punishable under section 390 (B) of the Criminal Code Law Cap C37 Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1990.”

They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In view of their plea, prosecuting counsel, U. R. Ewoh asked the court for a date to commence trial. Counsel for the 1st and 3rd accused persons, V. F. Ajoku, and Smart Ikenga for the 2nd accused person, however, prayed that the court should grant the accused bail.

Justice Aguma granted the accused bail in the sum of N3,000,000 and one surety each. The surety who must be resident in Rivers State must be a civil servant on Grade Level 14 or a Medical Doctor, their office, status, and address must be verified by the court and the passport of the accused persons should be deposited in the court.

The case was adjourned to November 4, 2015.

 Media & Publicity

23rd September, 2015