The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, July 4th, 2012 docked nine suspects at a Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere ,Lagos on a two count charge bordering on intent to defraud, conspiracy and stealing the sum of N16,467,000.000 (Sixteen million four hundred and sixty seven thousand naira ), property of Mr. Aiyeola Matthew of Golden Treasures Investment Limited . The money was given to them to purchase the sum of $155,000.00 (One hundred and fifty five thousand United States Dollars). They were arraigned before Justice Oyekan Abdulahi.

 The accused persons, five individuals and four companies are: Ebun Ashiyanbi; Kunle Alli, Oluwatoyin Afolabi; Zakariya Adamu (at large) and one Salisu (still at large). Others are Dunnex Concept Bureau De Change Limited, Whittis Bureau De Change Limited, Beauty Sky Bureau De Change and Glabund Nigeria Limited. When the two charges were read to them, they all pleaded not guilty to them. Prosecution counsel, Ezekiel Upah, prayed the court to expunge the 7th accused person, Whittis Bureau De Change from the charge sheet but the Judge demanded a written application to that effect. The prosecution counsel also prayed the court to fix a date for their trial and demanded that accused personsb be remanded in prison custody. However, the defence counsel, F. Folorunsho prayed the court to grant his clients bail

He particularly drew the attention of the court to the third accused person who was brought to the court from the hospital. Upah, in his response, prayed the court to verify the medical report and claim by the 3rd accused person before granting her bail. The judge, in her ruling, granted the nine accused persons bail, including the three individuals in court in the sum of N10million. Besides, they are asked to provide two sureties each in like sum, with an evidence of tax compliance. The sureties must own landed properties in Lagos and the properties should be verified by the Alausa Registry and the EFCC to be sure they are authentic.

The judge also ruled that the third accused person who is indisposed be taken to the hospital, while the remaining two accused persons were asked to be remanded in the EFCC custody. He adjourned the matter to July 6th, 2012.    

Wilson Uwujaren
Ag. Head, Media & Publicity
5th July, 2012.