Alleged N201m fraud: Court opens trial of four Abuja company executives May 6

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, says the court has fixed a date for trial of four Abuja company executives, allegedly involved in a N201 million fraud.

EFCC said Jstice K.N. Ogbonnaya of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court Zuba fixed commencement of hearing on the matter on May 6, 2024.

This was made known on its official X handle on Wednesday.

According to the agency, the defendants, Harry Ositadinma Samuel, Ayodele Raymond, Gowon Usman Egbunu, Alhaji Nuhu Amanabo and Beligetto Holding Company Limited were arraigned on February 29, 2024 on two-count charges bordering on obtaining by false pretense.

The anti-graft agency said the defendants are facing trial for obtaining five units of Sport Utility Vehicle, SUV, Toyota products valued at N201 million from a petitioner in the guise of delivering them to the Nigeria Correctional Service as a supply contract. They neither paid for the vehicles nor returned them to the petitioner.

EFCC said the defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them, prompting the prosecution counsel, Khalid Sanusi, to request for a date of commencement of trial and remand of defendants at a correctional centre.

Justice Ogbonnaya released the defendants on bail upon self-recognition and age, with strict orders to be in court on days of trial.

They signed a bond to this effect and in the event of noncompliance, the bond will be revoked, and all the defendants will be held in a correctional facility till the end of trial.

Also a N50 million bond was set for Beligetto Holding Company Limited.

The judge also ordered accelerated hearing of the matter and adjourned till May 6, 7, 8 and 13, 14, 15 and 16, 2024.