Crime

EFCC Arraigns Three Men for Allegedly Stealing ₦3.5 Billion from Access Bank

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 7th, 2024.

EFCC Arraigns Three Men for Allegedly Stealing ₦3.5 Billion from Access Bank

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three men before an Ikeja Special Offences Court, accusing them of stealing ₦3.5 billion from Access Bank.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the defendants—Michael Igbomins, David Onyeike, and Moses Iruolaje—face charges of theft and retention of proceeds from crime. They pleaded not guilty.

EFCC counsel Abdulhamid Tukur requested a trial date and asked for the defendants to be remanded in a correctional facility. The defense counsel indicated that no applications were pending before the court and hoped necessary steps would be taken before the next hearing.

The prosecution alleges that the defendants committed the offences in 2023 in Lagos. It is claimed that they dishonestly stole and converted ₦3.5 billion, belonging to Access Bank, for their own use. Additionally, they are accused of retaining the stolen amount, knowing it was obtained through unlawful acts. These charges violate Section 17 of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004, and Section 280 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe ordered the defendants to be remanded in Ikoyi Custodial Centre until their bail application hearing. The case has been adjourned to November 28 for the commencement of the trial.