A former staff of a commercial bank in Port Harcourt has been remanded in custody by the Federal High Court in Rivers State, for alleged stealing and currency counterfeiting amounting to N23.5 million.
According to the Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC), the ex banker was arraigned on a 6-count charge by the Port Harcourt Zonal Command. One of the counts against him alleges that he stole the sum of Ten Million, Forty Thousand Naira (N10,040,000, 00) property of an individual while working at the bank.
The former staff was also accused of converting N23.5 million meant for fixed deposit, and another count alleges that he stole the sum of Eight Million Naira (N8,000,000,00) belonging to another person.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and the matter was adjourned until July 13, 2023, for the commencement of trial. The prosecution counsel requested for the defendant to be remanded in custody, a prayer that was not opposed by the counsel to the defendant.
The case is a clear indication of the continued crackdown on financial crime in Nigeria by the EFCC, which has been mandated to investigate and prosecute cases of economic and financial crimes, including money laundering, fraud, and embezzlement.
This case also serves as a warning to financial institutions and their employees to adhere to ethical standards and avoid any fraudulent practices that could lead to prosecution and the loss of reputation. It is hoped that the outcome of the trial will serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering such criminal activities.
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