EFCC indicts ex-banker and others over alleged N1.4bn fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday charged a former Union Bank employee, Abdulmalik Salau, and two others with cybercrime and money laundering involving an estimated N1.403 billion.
The other accused are Ismaila Atumeyi and Ngene Dominic.
EFCC announced the arrest of the defendants in November.
Anti-corruption agency spokesman Wilson Uwujaren said in a statement that the trio had been brought before Magistrate Judge Tjinani Ringim of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
They face 18 charges to which they all pleaded "not guilty" on Monday.
Following their plea of not guilty, the prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, called for the commencement of their trial, a request which he anchored on the provision of Article 273 of the Administration Law of Criminal Justice (ACJA).
"Therefore, we will, in all humility, request Your Lordship to expedite this trial.
One of the accused, Salau Abdulmalik“My Lord, Section 300 of the ACJA also expects the prosecution to give a very brief summary of the case it has against the defendants,” said the lawyer.
"How the defendants allegedly embezzled the bank's 1.4 billion naira"Mr. Oyedepo also informed the judge that the prosecution had lined up six witnesses to testify against the defendants.
He said the prosecution, through the witnesses, would show the court "how the defendants agreed to hack into Union Bank Plc's database, transferred funds belonging to the bank and its customers and used the proceeds of this illegal operation". activity of acquiring properties for themselves.”
He added that the prosecution would show how the third defendant, a former staff member of Union Bank Plc, allegedly worked with the others and "succeeded in hacking into the bank's database"
He alleged that the defendants, in different instalments, transferred over N1.4 billion to the accounts of FAV Oil and Gas Limited and Atus Homes Limited.
The attorney for the prosecution added: "Exhibits which the prosecution will present include the documentary exhibit which shows that the sum of $480,000 was found in the possession of the third defendant and that the sum of 326 naira, 400 million cash was found in a black Escalade car in the possession of the first and second defendants.
“My Lord, the case is such that by its nature requires the cooperation of both the prosecution and the defense team to see its speedy decision.
“Therefore, I urge Your Lordship, pending the disposition of the case, to remand the defendants to a correctional facility, where properly trained staff will look after their welfare and well-being. "
EFCC alleged that part of the offenses allegedly committed by the defendant were contrary and punishable under section 16(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015.
Another of the offenses would also violate Money Laun Section 18(a), 15(2)...
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday charged a former Union Bank employee, Abdulmalik Salau, and two others with cybercrime and money laundering involving an estimated N1.403 billion.
The other accused are Ismaila Atumeyi and Ngene Dominic.
EFCC announced the arrest of the defendants in November.
Anti-corruption agency spokesman Wilson Uwujaren said in a statement that the trio had been brought before Magistrate Judge Tjinani Ringim of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
They face 18 charges to which they all pleaded "not guilty" on Monday.
Following their plea of not guilty, the prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, called for the commencement of their trial, a request which he anchored on the provision of Article 273 of the Administration Law of Criminal Justice (ACJA).
"Therefore, we will, in all humility, request Your Lordship to expedite this trial.
One of the accused, Salau Abdulmalik“My Lord, Section 300 of the ACJA also expects the prosecution to give a very brief summary of the case it has against the defendants,” said the lawyer.
"How the defendants allegedly embezzled the bank's 1.4 billion naira"Mr. Oyedepo also informed the judge that the prosecution had lined up six witnesses to testify against the defendants.
He said the prosecution, through the witnesses, would show the court "how the defendants agreed to hack into Union Bank Plc's database, transferred funds belonging to the bank and its customers and used the proceeds of this illegal operation". activity of acquiring properties for themselves.”
He added that the prosecution would show how the third defendant, a former staff member of Union Bank Plc, allegedly worked with the others and "succeeded in hacking into the bank's database"
He alleged that the defendants, in different instalments, transferred over N1.4 billion to the accounts of FAV Oil and Gas Limited and Atus Homes Limited.
The attorney for the prosecution added: "Exhibits which the prosecution will present include the documentary exhibit which shows that the sum of $480,000 was found in the possession of the third defendant and that the sum of 326 naira, 400 million cash was found in a black Escalade car in the possession of the first and second defendants.
“My Lord, the case is such that by its nature requires the cooperation of both the prosecution and the defense team to see its speedy decision.
“Therefore, I urge Your Lordship, pending the disposition of the case, to remand the defendants to a correctional facility, where properly trained staff will look after their welfare and well-being. "
EFCC alleged that part of the offenses allegedly committed by the defendant were contrary and punishable under section 16(1) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015.
Another of the offenses would also violate Money Laun Section 18(a), 15(2)...
What's Your Reaction?
