By Lukman Olabiyi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a businessman, Erichona Elom Ushle before the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, on charges bordering on stealing, fraud, forgery and other.
Ushle was docked on 13-count charge but pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The defendant was alleged to have obtained under false pretense contrary to section 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 Sections 280 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 287 of Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Count two of the charge reads: “Ericbona Eliom Ushie, sometime in 2023, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of N35,397,000.00 property of Calibration and Non- destructive Services Limited under the pretense 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.
While the defendant counsel, Ms C.C Orji told court that she has filed an application for bail and served on the prosecution which the prosecution counsel confirmed, told the court that they oppose bail of the defendant. Buhari said they have filed their counter affidavit and attached exhibits.
Orji, therefore, prayed the court to grant him bail as he was presumed innocent until proven guilty. She also submitted that the defendant is not a flight risk and will attend trial till the end of the case.
Defendant counsel also told the court that her bail application was supported by an affidavit of 13 paragraphs of urgency and supported with written address as well as exhibits.
She said he has been in the EFCC custody since December 2, 2023 till date, but Buhari told the court that he was remanded in the EFCC custody based on 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 him to her, on self recognition. She ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to June 20, 2023 for trial.