Commencement of trial for four executives of an Abuja company accused of being involved in a N201 million fraud has been set by the court, as announced by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).
The hearing on the matter is scheduled to begin on May 6, 2024, at the FCT High Court Zuba presided over by Justice K.N. Ogbonnaya.
As per the EFCC’s official X handle on Wednesday, the defendants namely Harry Ositadinma Samuel, Ayodele Raymond, Gowon Usman Egbunu, Alhaji Nuhu Amanabo, and Beligetto Holding Company Limited were brought to court on February 29, 2024, facing charges related to obtaining by false pretense.
Allegedly, the defendants procured five units of Toyota Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) worth N201 million from a complainant under the guise of supplying them to the Nigeria Correctional Service. However, they neither paid for nor returned the vehicles to the rightful owner.
Having pleaded not guilty to the accusations, the defendants were granted bail by Justice Ogbonnaya based on their self-recognition and age, with strict instructions to attend all trial sessions.
Additionally, they signed a bond agreeing to comply with the terms, and failure to do so would result in their remand at a correctional facility until the trial concludes.
Moreover, Beligetto Holding Company Limited was required to provide a N50 million bond.
The judge ordered an expedited trial and adjourned the proceedings to May 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, and 16, 2024.