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Eight persons, including a bank relationship officer, have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations bordering on the diversion and laundering of ₦710 million.
The defendants, who face a 12-count charge, are Elvis Osazee Eghile, Egharevba MaryJane Osarieyekemwen, Precious Omonigho Irbhogbe, Aghatise Kelvin Uhuenkpoewen, Nweke Nnamdi Emmanuel, Obinyan Esther, Egharevba Emmanuel Osagioduwa and Emmanuel Obinyan Osenonome.
The Police Special Fraud Unit, Lagos, said the case followed a petition concerning the alleged disbursement of ₦710 million through eight designated accounts despite restrictions placed on the funds. Investigators alleged that Osenonome, a senior relationship officer, worked with Egharevba Emmanuel to obtain personal information used to establish accounts allegedly connected to the movement of the money.
According to the police, forensic investigations uncovered transactions involving accounts linked to people associated with the principal suspects. The investigation also allegedly uncovered questionable proof-of-funds documents, indemnity papers and Post-No-Debit instructions. Authorities further identified assets suspected to have been acquired with proceeds of the alleged crime, including a 2020 Lexus RX 350 valued at ₦25 million, two Toyota Camry cars worth ₦8 million each and a plot of land in Magodo Phase I, Lagos, reportedly bought for ₦40 million.
The police also alleged that some of the funds were used for personal expenses, gambling, investments and the establishment of a spa and beauty business reportedly furnished at a cost of about ₦60 million. The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Special Fraud Unit, Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, said the unit would continue to investigate suspected financial crimes and ensure that relevant evidence was presented before the appropriate court. The allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
