Asukwo, Armstrong remanded in prison accused of N12.9m, $108,762 fraud

Two men accused of multi-million naira fraud have been remanded at the Uyo Correctional Centre on the order of the Federal High Court, Uyo Akwa Ibom State.

They were arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court, Uyo Akwa Ibom State.

Joseph Akadu Asukwo and Emmanuel Ekenedilichukwu Armstrong were accused of multi-million fraud by the Uyo Command of the EFCC.

Justice Maureen Adaobi Onyetenu heard the charges against the duo

While Asukwo was arraigned on a three- count charge bordering on criminal conversion and stealing to the tune of N12, 993, 600.00, Armstrong was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation, forgery and criminal diversion to the tune of $108, 762.5.

The defendants pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them separately, and in view of their pleas, Counsel to the EFCC, Farida Bukar, prayed the court to fix a date for trial and for the defendants to be remanded at the Uyo Correctional Centre.

However, defence counsel, Michael Ishadu attempted an oral bail application, which did not succeed.

Justice Onyetenu remanded the defendants at the Uyo Correctional Centre, and adjourned the matter to October 26, 2023 for the hearing of bail applications.

According to the EFCC, Asukwo was arrested for criminal diversion of a company (Aimhye Integrated Concept Limited)’s funds, to the tune of N12, 993, 600  while Armstrong was arrested on June 22, 2023 at Captain Iniobong Avenue at Osongama, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for suspected online criminal activities.