EFCC Arraigns Fake BDC Operator Over Alleged N78.2m Fraud In Onitsha

Akwa, Anambra State– The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a man, Okeke Ejike Callistus, before the Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha over alleged fraud involving N78,295,000.

Callistus, who allegedly operated under the business name Nwachimereze Amen Resources, was docked before Justice D. A. Onyefulu on a ten-count charge bordering on stealing and forgery.

The prosecution said the defendant posed as a Bureau De Change operator and allegedly diverted funds entrusted to him by a businessman, Ezegwu Leonard Chinedu, who trades under the name Leatez Enterprises.

Count one of the charge stated that Callistus, on May 2, 2024, in Onitsha, allegedly fraudulently converted the sum of N62,745,000 belonging to the petitioner to his personal use.

Another count alleged that between May 3 and May 7, 2024, he also diverted an additional N15,550,000 belonging to the same complainant.

The EFCC said the offences contravene Section 342 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 36, Anambra State, and are punishable under Section 353 (12) of the same law.

Callistus pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II), Rotimi Enitan Ajobiewe, urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

However, defence counsel, Hypolite Ohaneche, informed the court of a pending bail application and moved same, urging the court to grant his client bail.

Ajobiewe opposed the application, arguing that the defendant posed a flight risk, noting that he had allegedly jumped bail previously granted by the Commission during investigation.

After hearing both sides, Justice Onyefulu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50 million, with two sureties.

The court ruled that one surety must possess a valid tax clearance certificate, while both sureties must be related to the defendant, reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and possess a National Identification Number.

According to the EFCC, the case stemmed from a petition by Ezegwu Leonard Chinedu, who alleged that he handed over N78,295,000 to the defendant for onward transfer to his business partner in China.

Instead of remitting the full sum, the defendant allegedly transferred only part of the money and sent telex copies purportedly from “ABA Bank of Cambodia” to cover the outstanding balance.

However, when the documents were presented in China, they were reportedly discovered to be fake.

During investigation, Callistus allegedly admitted receiving the funds but claimed he diverted part of the money for personal use.

The case has been adjourned for trial.

Count one of the charge reads: “Mr. Okeke Ejike Callistus (trading under the name and style of Nwachimereze Amen Resources), sometime on the 2nd of May, 2024, at Onitsha, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Anambra State, did commit a felony to wit: stealing by fraudulently converting to your personal use the sum of N62, 745, 000. 00 (Sixty-two million, Seven hundred and Forty-five thousand Naira) being property of Ezegwu Leonard Chinedu trading under the name and style of Leatez Enterprises and thereby committed an offence”.

Count two: “That you, Okeke Ejike Callistus (trading under the name and style of Nwachimereze Amen Resources), sometime between the 3rd to the 7th of May, 2024 at Onitsha, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Anambra State, did commit a felony to wit: stealing by fraudulently converting to your personal use the sum of N15, 550, 000. 00 (Fifteen million, Five hundred and Fifty thousand Naira) being property of Ezegwu Leonard Chinedu and thereby committed an offence”.