The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Mr. Ikechukwu Onyia in Enugu for allegedly issuing a N3 million dud cheque to pay his debts.

EFCC’s zonal office in Enugu said in a statement the accused was brought to an Enugu High Court on a four-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence.

Onyia was accused of issuing a Fidelity Bank dud cheque; 17598860, dated April 8, 2015, of N3 million in favour of Emeka Okonkwo.

The statement said the offence contravened the Dishonoured Cheques Offences Act, Cap D11, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

It alleged the accused, an ex-worker with EMEL Group of Companies in Lagos, in January 2015, got a N3 million loan from Okonkwo to import baby diapers.

However, the accused was alleged to have, at various times, issued six post-dated cheques to the complainant after failing to pay the capital and interest.

When the charges were read, Onyia pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution counsel, Mr. Muhammad Shehu, prayed the court to remand him in prison custody.

However, the defence counsel, Mr. C. B. Onovo, filed a motion for bail  on October 11.

EFCC said after investigation, it discovered the company the accused fronted for, Alteal Enterprises, was fictitious and without presence in the registered address.

The commission alleged that further investigation showed the accused fraudulently entered into the deal to use the loan to offset debts incurred from his former office, which led to his dismissal.

Justice C.O. Ajah admitted the accused to bail on N500,000 and one surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned till November 7.

culled from: The Nation