The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu State Zonal Command, brought Ogbu Ibekwem, Nwagbara Chidimma, Uwaezuoke Raymond, and Chidubem Mgbeke before Justice Mohammed Garba of the Federal High Court in Enugu State. The arraignment follows the disclosure that Access Bank plc turned over Ibekwem, Chidimma, and Raymond, former employees of the Nottidge branch in Onitsha, Anambra State, for embezzling N15,944,100.00.
The trio faced a four-count charge involving conspiracy and stealing, including allegations of retaining N7,996,800.00 meant for evacuation to the Central Bank of Nigeria. The charges cited violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022. Despite the allegations, all defendants pleaded not guilty during the hearing.
EFCC's attorney, Ahmad Abdullahi, urged the court to schedule a trial date and remand the accused in Enugu State Correctional Facility. The defendants, pending the bail application hearing, were remanded in EFCC custody. The case highlights the collaborative efforts between financial institutions and law enforcement in addressing financial misconduct.
