The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Port Harcourt Zonal Command has arraigned one Joel Mba Okodi
He was arraigned on Thursday at the Imo State High Court in Owerri on eight count charges bordering on stealing and issuing a dishonored cheque.
The eighth count charge detailed an alleged fraudulent issuance of a First Bank Cheque dated September 12, 2019, in the sum of Ten Million Naira.
The cheque, intended for Pauly Merchandise Enterprises as part of a Fifty Million Naira financial obligation, was dishonored due to insufficient funds. This act is in violation of the Dishonoured Cheque (Offences) Act.
Upon arraignment, Okoro pleaded ‘not guilty’ to the charges.
The prosecuting counsel, M.T. Iko, requested a trial date, which the defense counsel, N.N. Chukwuemeka, did not oppose.
Chukwuemeka sought bail for the defendant which was granted in the sum of N50 million with two sureties required to own a landed property and provide evidence of livelihood.
Justice C.C. Okereke set trial and bail application hearings for February 29 and March 7, 2024. Pending bail fulfillment, Okodi was ordered to be remanded in prison custody.
The arrest stemmed from allegations by a petitioner who claimed Okodi, along with others, falsely represented themselves as representatives of the Akwa-Ibom state government.
They purportedly offered to sell a dilapidated Abestonic Industrial Scrap Company for N140 million.
The petitioner made an initial deposit but later discovered the alleged misrepresentation, leading to the dishonored cheque and failed attempts to recover the money.