The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Tuesday 11th June, 2013 arraigned one Sotonye Beddieba Nwabuoku before Justice R.I Ahiakwo of the State High Court, Port Harcourt on a two- count charge bordering on issuance of dud cheque.

Nwabuoku, a former Staff of UBA allegedly issued two separate Access Bank Cheques dated 30 September, 2009 and 30 October, 2010 for six million and five hundred thousand naira each( N6,500, 000) to the complainant which were returned unpaid due to insufficient fund. The cheques according to the complainant were payment for a facility granted by Tuscan Integrated Services Limited to the accused person to help her husband meet a business obligation with Shell Petroleum Development Company.
The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
One of the charge reads;" that you Sotonye Beddieba Nwabuoku on or about June 2009 at Port Harcourt in the Port Harcourt Judicial Division did issue an Access Bank Cheque No. 00000066 dated 30/09/2009 drawn on Account no. 0140030033659 in the sum of six million, five hundred thousand naira only(N6,500,000.00) in favour of Joseph O. Nwose which was presented for payment within three (3) months, and was dishonoured on grounds of insufficient funds standing to your credit and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(a) and punishable under section 1 (ii) of the Dishonoured Cheques Offences Act Cap D11 of the Revised Edition (laws of the Federation of Nigeria) Act 2007."

Justice R.I Ahiakwo granted the accused bail in self recognition. She is however to deposit her staff Identity card with the Director of Litigation.
The case was adjourned to the 7th July for hearing.

Media & Publicity Unit