By Paul Joseph
The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a suspected fake Bureau De Change operator, Okeke Ejike Callistus, before the Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha over an alleged ₦78.2 million fraud involving forgery and diversion of funds.
Callistus was brought before Justice D. A. Onyefulu on a ten-count charge bordering on stealing and fraudulent conversion of funds belonging to a businessman, Ezegwu Leonard Chinedu, trading under Leatez Enterprises.
According to court filings, the defendant, who allegedly operated under the business name Nwachimereze Amen Resources, is accused of receiving a total sum of ₦78,295,000 from the complainant for onward transfer to a business partner in China.
Investigators alleged that instead of completing the transfer, the defendant diverted part of the funds for personal use and attempted to deceive the complainant with fake telex documents purportedly from “ABA Bank of Cambodia.”
The documents were later discovered to be fraudulent after being presented to the overseas business partner.
One of the charges stated that the defendant fraudulently converted ₦62.7 million for personal use, while another count alleged additional diversion of ₦15.5 million within days of the initial transaction.
The EFCC said the offences violate Section 342 of the Criminal Code Law of Anambra State and are punishable under Section 353 (12) of the same law.
Callistus pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read to him in court.
Following his plea, EFCC counsel, ACE II Rotimi Enitan Ajobiewe, urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in the Nigeria Correctional Service custody, arguing that there was a likelihood he could abscond.
The prosecution also noted that the defendant had allegedly jumped bail during earlier stages of investigation.
However, defence counsel Hypolite Ohaneche moved a bail application, urging the court to grant the defendant bail pending trial.
After hearing both sides, Justice Onyefulu granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million with two sureties.
The court ruled that one surety must present 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 (NIN).
During investigations, the EFCC said the defendant admitted receiving the funds but claimed he diverted part of it for personal use.
The case has been adjourned for further hearing as the prosecution prepares to open its case.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to cracking down on financial crimes, warning that individuals involved in fraudulent foreign exchange dealings and fake financial documentation will continue to face prosecution.
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