From Sola Ojo, Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned five individuals, Benjamin Okoye, Moughalu David Arinze, Okey Okeke, Ekene Mgbeokwere and Eboh Thaddeus, for allegedly tampering with a forfeited property in Lagos.
The defendants were arraigned on a one-count charge before Justice A.O.Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos.
They pleaded “not guilty” to the charge, which alleged that they dealt with a property that had been forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria without due authorization.
The property in question is located at Plot 165C, Block 12, Amuwo Odofin, Ajayi Street, Diamond Estate, Amuwo Odofin Lagos.
The EFCC’s counsel, Hannatu .U. KofarNaisa, informed the court that she was ready to proceed with the trial, while the defendants’ counsel applied for bail.
The count reads: “That you, Ilongwo Angela (NOW AT LARGE), Benjamin Okoye , Moughalu David Arinze, Okey Okeke, Ekene Mgbeokwere, Eboh Thaddeus, sometime in July, 2024 in Lagos State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, without due authorization dealt, with the property of Obinna Ezenwaka situate and located at Plot 165C, Block 12, Amuwo Odofin, Ajayi Street, Diamond Estate, Amuwo Odofin Lagos, subject of interim forfeiture to the Federal Government of Nigeria, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 32(1) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.”
Justice Owoeye fixed January 24, 2025, for ruling on the bail applications and adjourned the case until February 14, 2025, for continuation of trial.