EFCC Docks Businessman Over N12m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday docked a businessman at an Ikeja High Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a new generation bank of N12 million.

The accused, Victor Omikunle, is facing a four-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and forgery before Justice Olabisi Akinlade.

EFCC prosecutor Anselem Ozioko alleged that the accused defrauded First City Monument Bank (FCMB) by obtaining N12 million from the bank under false pretences.

Ozioko claimed that Omikunle had collected the money from FCMB under the pretext that it would be used to part-finance the supply of 5,000 tonnes of granite from Kopek quarry.

He further alleged that the accused had conspired with Babatunde Larinde to forge a Certificate of Occupancy No 66/66/19957F.

According to the prosecutor, the Certificate of Occupancy was forged in the name of Larinde on a pledged property at No 3-5 Akinsola St., Ijaiye area of Lagos.

Ozioko said that the offences contravened Sections 1 (3) and 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.

It also contravened Sections 467 and 468 of the Criminal Code Cap. C 17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003, the prosecutor said.

The accused pleaded not guilty.

Akinlade ordered that the accused be remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Security Prisons and adjourned the matter till December 8 for hearing of his bail application.