February 9, 2016
A Federal High Court, in Lagos has fixed March 2 for the arraignment of executive directors of a distressed bank, Nigeria International Bank Limited, , Chief(Dr.) C. S Sankey, a former Commodore of Lagos Motor Boat Club and 15 others over alleged N2.6 billion fraud belonging to MicMerah International Agency Limited.
They are to face 20 counts bordering on Conspiracy, intent to defraud, falsification of document, fraudulent alteration and diversion of over N2. 6 billion.
The arraignment of the accused persons before Justice Ibrahim Nasir Buba could not go on today (Tuesday) due to inability of the prosecution to effect service of the charge on some of the accused persons.
Those charged alongside Chief C. S Sankey include; Peter Harris, Adekunle Oladosun, Okechi Egwu, Lulu Ndubuka, Oyowole Ariyo. UKabiru Bello, and J.E Eriagbon; Samson Ebie, Steve Obodomechine, Mikky Dons Nigeria Limited, Mark Anaele, Ariyo Odunala, Peter Oriade, Olusola Fagbure and Obianwa Chuba.
At the resumed trial of the accused, the prosecutor, Mr. Chukwudi Chikelue, who stood in for Mr. Gordy Uche, SAN, informed the court that the prosecution has not been able to effect service of the charge on other accused persons.
Consequently, he urged the court for a very short adjournment.
Lawyer to the bank, Mr. Niyi Adegbonmire, SAN, did not oppose the prosecutor call for adjournment.
Consequently, the presiding judge, Justice Buba adjourned the matter till March 2, for the accused bank and persons’ arraignment.
Justice Buba had earlier ordered that the second to 17 accused persons should be served with the charge before the next adjourned date.
In the charge, the accused were alleged to have conspired among themselves to induce MicMerah International Agency Limited, to deliver the said sum to them, to be used for offsetting a fraudulent import finance facility scheme.
They were also alleged to have falsified documents to fraudulently secure the release of four Volvo luxury buses and two 40 feet containers from the Nigeria Custom Service.
They are also to face a charge of obtaining property by false pretence, as well as corruptly enriching themselves.
The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of sections 1(1) (a),1(3), and 8 (a), of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related offence Act, 2004. And sections 161, and 162 of the Custom and Excise Management Act, Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004 as well as sections 2, 2(1) and 10 (1) of the Recovery of Public Property Act, 2004.