The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) on Monday 22 February, 2016 arraigned the duo of Eke Chukwudi Kingsley and Simon Onyekachi Ononobi before Justice L.C.

Azuama of the State High Court Orlu, Imo State on a six count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of (N21, 020.000.00) twenty one million, twenty thousand naira, contrary to section 495 (a) of the Criminal Code Law Cap 30 of Imo State.

Kingsley and Simon were staff of a new generation bank, before they were arrested for the allege crime.

They allegedly conspired and changed the account mandate of Irewolede Housing Estate belonging to Kwara State Government and converted the said sum to their personal use.
They both pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.

One of the counts read:
“Eke Chukwudi Kingsley, Simon Onyekachi and others now at large, on or about the 24th day of March 2014, at Orlu, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Orlu, in Imo State, with intent to defraud, stole the sum of N4,660,000.00 (Four Million Six Hundred and Sixty Thousand Naira) through electronic transfer from Account No 0020721044 belonging to Kwara State Irewolede Housing Estate domiciled with Access Bank Nigeria Plc. and thereby committed an offence”.

In view of the accused persons’ plea, the prosecuting counsel Mbachie Innocent asked for a trial date.

The defense counsel Ben U. Nwanegbo on the other hand, applied for bail of his clients which was opposed by the prosecuting counsel on the grounds that they could jump bail.

Justice Azuama however granted them bail in the sum of N900,000 and one surety each in like sum. The sureties must be resident of Imo State and have, either a chieftaincy title or be a public servant of the rank of director, They are also to have landed property within Imo State with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and evidence of tax clearance for 3 years.

The case was adjourned to February 24 ; 7th and 16th March, 2016 for hearing.