EFCC Arraigns Enugu Wonder Bank MD, Wife In Court

Posted by African Examiner Enugu, Featured, Latest Headlines, News Across Nigeria, News From The State Wednesday, November 16th, 2016

By Ignatius Okpara

ENUGU, ENUGU, NIGERIA (AFRICAN EXAMINER) – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, arraigned the Managing Director of “Lets’ Partner with You, an Enugu based wonder bank, Mr. Patrick. Nwokike in court.

He was docked at a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu alongside his wife and Director, Rosemary Nwokike.

The anti-graft agency is accusing Nwokike of operating an unlicensed saving and loans agency, through which the bank has collected over N6 billion from its customers on agreement of paying them 30 percent interest every month.

But few months down, they were unable to pay the deposit, let alone the interest, a situation that prompted the commission to move in.

AFRICAN EXAMINER recalled that the couple, who were earlier detained, were arraigned on a four counts of conspiracy, stealing, conversion and illegal operation of a bank without license.

Mr. Harrison Ibekwute, the prosecutor, told the court that the accused persons had in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 issued advertisement inviting the public to deposit money with the bank without authorization.

He added that the bank had been operating without a valid license.

Ibekwute, further told the court that offences committed by the accused contravened Bank and Other Financial Institution Act, Law of the Federation.

Defense counsel, Mr. Orji Nwafor-Orizu pleaded with the court to grant his clients bail as charges against them were bail-able, which the prosecutor did not oppose.

The presiding Judge, Justice Dugbo Oghoghorie granted the accused persons a N2 million bail each, and two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must be a Civil Servant of not less than Grade Level 12, reside and own a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.

The judge adjourned the case till March 6, 2017 for trial.