The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Nweke Izuchukwu Jude before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court in Independence Layout, Enugu State.
Jude faces charges of impersonation and obtaining money by false pretence, amounting to N1,100,000.00 (One Million, One Hundred Thousand Naira).
The charges state that Jude, in April 2024, fraudulently presented himself as an officer of the EFCC to Justin Chidozie Chukwukere, thereby obtaining the sum of N1,100,000.00 under false pretences.
According to the court, the act contravenes Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
Jude pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following his plea, EFCC Counsel Ajobiewe Rotimi Enitan requested a trial date and moved for Jude to be remanded at the Enugu State Correctional Facility.
Defence counsel E. S. Umeojiakor, however, informed the court of a pending bail application and requested that his client be granted bail on liberal terms. Enitan opposed this application.
After hearing both sides, the court granted Jude bail under the following conditions: bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court stated that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, with one possessing landed property within the jurisdiction, verified by the court Registrar.
The trial is adjourned to October 9, 2024 whileJude remains in custody at the Enugu State Correctional Facility until his bail conditions are met.
