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Below is a press statement from the EFCC,
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Wednesday, May 21, 2014 arraigned two staff of Ecobank Plc, Ekpe Sunday and Denis Joseph James alongside Ecobank, before Justice I. L Ojukwu of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on a 2-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent diversion of funds, forgery and impersonation to the tune of N7, 067, 576.55 (Seven Million, Sixty Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy Six Naira, Fifty-Five Kobo only).Sunday and James were alleged to have failed to exercise due diligence in opening a spurious account for a fraudster, in the name of a pensioner, Chief Ukim Okon Edem. As a result of their negligence, the fraudster used the account to convert and steal N7, 067, 576.55(Seven Million, Sixty Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy Six Naira, Fifty five kobo only) being proceeds from the sale of the shares of the pensioner.
When the charges were read to them, they pleaded not guilty.Counsel to the EFCC, Ben Ubi, informed the court that he was ready for trial and prayed that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody. However, counsel to the first accused person, Edet Ekanem moved an oral application for bail. He reminded the court that, the offence for which his client is standing trial, was bailable. Counsel to the second accused person, C.O. Ezedi and counsel to Ecobank Plc, Ukem Frank, aligned themselves with Ekanem and prayed the court to admit their clients to bail.
Justice Ojukwu granted each of the accused persons bail in the sum of N1 (One Million Naira) and a surety each in like sum. The surety must be resident in the jurisdiction of the court and must offer an evidence of tax payment.
He adjourned the matter till July 7 and 8, 2014 and ordered that the accused persons be remanded in Uyo prison, until they meet their bail conditions.
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