A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Friday, ordered Mr Chinenye Duru, a Polaris Bank official and account officer to Mr Victor Onukogu, remanded in a correctional facility over alleged Sixteen Billion, Six Hundred Million Naira (N16.600,000,000.00) fraud.
Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order following the arraignment of Mr Duru by the office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and his plea of not guilty to the 11-count charge preferred against him.
While the IGP is the complainant in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/603/2023, Polaris Bank Plc and Duru are 1st and 2nd defendants respectively.
Upon resumed hearing, IGP’s counsel, Abdulrasheed Sidi, informed the court that the matter was fixed for arraignment.
But Duru’s lawyer Chukwuemeka Kalu, said though they were ready for the connercenent of trial, but that the prosecution was in contempt of the FHC’s order and could not be heard.
“When I finish with the plea, you can say what you want to say,” Justice Ekwo responded to the position of Mr Kalu.
Adedapo Adejumo, who appeared for Polaris Bank Plc, said a plea of not guilty should be entered for his client.
After the 11 counts were read to Duru and his plea taken, Sidi applied for a date for trial.
But Kalu said on the taking of the plea, a fundamental issue on the conduct of the prosecution had been raised.
The lawyer said though he was not objecting to a date for trial, he insisted that during Duru’s detention, they approached the court for the enforcement of his right.
“The matter was before your learned brother, Hon. Justice D.U. Okorowo, who ordered the interim release of the 2nd defendant on bail.
“The conditions for the bail were fulfilled on this same matter between the parties.
“It was based on whether the prosecution will continue with investigation or prosecution of the 2nd defendant while the EFCC is doing the same,” he said.
Source: Freedom online.com.ng
Eighteen-Eleven Media