Kemisola Oye
THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned businessman, Erichona Elom Ushle before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on charges bordering on stealing fraud, forgery and others.
Ushle was docked on a 13-count charge but pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The defendant was alleged to have obtained under pretence contrary to sections 1 (1) (a) and 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
He was also alleged of stealing contrary to Section 280 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 287 of Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Count two of the charge read: “Ericbona Eliom Ushie, sometime in 2023, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of Thirty-Five Million, Three Hundred and Ninety-Seven Thousand Naira (N35,397,000.00) property of Calibration and Non- Destructive Services Limited under the pretence that the said sum is for the purpose of securing award of contract from Niger Delta Development Commission(NDDC)”
Following his plea of not guilty, the prosecution counsel, Mrs Bilikisu Buhari told the court that the prosecution intended to call about 13 witnesses to testify.
The defendant’s counsel, Ms C.C Orji told the court that she had filed a bail application and served same on the prosecution, a development the prosecution counsel confirmed, but told the court they intended to oppose.
Buhari said they have filed their counter affidavit and attached exhibits.
Orji therefore prayed the court to admit him to bail as he is presumed innocent until proven guilty. She also submitted that the defendant is not a flight risk and would attend trial till the end of the case.
The defendant’s counsel also told the court that her bail application is supported by an affidavit of 13 paragraphs of urgency as well as a written address and exhibits.
She said he has been in EFCC custody since 2 December 2023 till date but Buhari told the court that he was remanded in EFCC custody based on a court order. She added that he has pending cases with various courts.
Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe however refused the defendant’s counsel application to release the defendant to her on self-recognition. She ordered that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility and adjourned the case to 20 June 2023 for trial.
Eighteen-Eleven Media