Court rejects no-case submission in N110m fraud trial of Portia Emilia

An Ikeja Special Offences Court, on Wednesday, rejected the no-case submission of a woman, Portia Emilia, charged with N110 million fraud.

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, in her ruling, held that the prosecution had established prima facie against the defendant on the amended five-count charge bordering on stealing and fraud.

“I am satisfied that the prosecution has established a prima facie case, which the defendants are called upon to answer.

“The no-case submission is hereby overruled, and the defendants are called upon to enter their defence,” Ms Abike-Fadipe said.

She adjourned the case until January 18, 2024, for the defendant to open her defence.

Ms Emilia was arraigned on August 16, 2022, alongside her company, Savanah Crest Investment Ltd., by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The defendant had pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against her.

The EFCC counsel, Franklin Ofoma, alleged that the defendant stole the money from one Wendy Daniel and converted it to her personal use.

The prosecution had called two witnesses, tendered several documents, and closed its case on March 16.

The defence had filed a no-case submission, arguing that, with the evidence adduced by the EFCC, his client had no case to answer.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravened the Criminal Laws of Lagos State (2015) and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Fraud Offences Act 2006.

(NAN)