Alleged Money Laundering: Nigerian Pastor On FBI-wanted List Arraigned In Enugu

A pastor identified as Kelechi Vitalis Anozie has been arraigned before the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Enugu Command.

Anozie was arraigned before Justice I.M Buba, alongside three others who are currently at large, including (Mr. Azubuike Ifeanyi Bright, Mrs. Amarachi Blessing Iro and Mr. Kelechi Patrick Iro), on a seven-count charge bordering on money laundering.

The Pastor who is reportedly on America’s Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Wanted List, was arrested by the Enugu Command of the EFCC at Owerri on March 10, 2022 following actionable intelligence received by the Commission.

He is accused of defrauding one F.F who lives in Illinois the sum of $135,800, and $47,000 from another American based in North Carolina.

One of the counts read;

”That you PASTOR KELECHI VITALIS ANOZIE,MR AZUBUIKE IFEANYI BRIGHT( NOW AT LARGE), MRS AMARACHI BLESSING IRI (NOW AT LARGE) AND MR KELECHI PATRICK IRO (NOW AT LARGE) sometime between 2017 and 2019, at Owerri within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria conspired among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: use and taking possession of fund that forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (a) of the Money Laundering,(Prohibition) Act,2022 and Punishable under section 18(3) of the same Act.”

Anozie pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, Michael Ani, to ask the Court for a date for the commencement of trial. The defendant’s counsel, E. Adams prayed the court to grant his client bail.

The defendant was granted bail in the sum of N10, 000,000 (Ten Million Naira) and one surety in like sum. The surety must be resident within the jurisdiction and own a property. He must also swear to an affidavit of means.

The defendant is to deposit his international passport and passport photographs with the court. The case was adjourned until Friday June 10,2022 for trial.