Ike Nnachi, Abakaliki
Two men, Alo Nelson, 22; and Mark Lifu, 23; were on Wednesday arraigned at an Abakaliki Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ebonyi State, for alleged N39 million fraud.
The defendants, who had no fixed address, were arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on fraud and stealing.
David Njoku, Senior State Counsel, Ebonyi Ministry of Justice, said the Defendants committed the offence between February 11 and September 29, 2024, at a filling station, Nekeson (C-MEGAs and Sons) Nig. Ltd Nkwagu, Ebonyi.
According to Njoku, the defendants conspired among themselves and committed an advance fee fraud.
He noted that the offence in count one is punishable under section 516 A (a) of the criminal code, Cap 33, Vol. 1 law of Ebonyi State.
“Count two, the Defendants did by false pretence manipulated filling station metre and obtained a sum of N39 million from one, Chika Amaga.
“They also committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1) (a) (b) (c) and punishable under section 1 (3) of advance fee fraud and other fraud related offences Act. Cap A6, Val. 1 laws of federal republic of Nigeria 2006,” Njoku stated.
The defendants’ plea was not taken in the court.
Ikenna Mgboba, Counsel to the defendants applied for their bail.
Mgboba prayed the court to release the defedants to him and promised to be producing them to the court at any point in time.
The Magistrate, Ojemba Isu-Oko, rejected the bail application and ordered that the case file be sent to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for legal advice.
Isu-Oko further ordered that the defendants be remanded in Abakaliki Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until November 29.
