The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two individuals, Abel Sokari and Nkeiruka Chukwuma, for allegedly attempting to fraudulently obtain €49 million from First Bank of Nigeria (FBN).
The two were brought before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Ikeja Special Offences Court on Monday, alongside a company, Zakah Global Investment Ltd., on a six-count charge bordering on attempted fraud, forgery, and possession of false documents.
According to the EFCC, the defendants falsely claimed that €49 million had been transferred to Zakah Global Investment Ltd. by Bayan Investment Bank. They also allegedly presented a forged letter from a U.S. law firm, Steven H. Sado, P.C., said to be linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s legal team.
The anti-graft agency stated that the documents were fake and formed part of an attempt to defraud the bank. The alleged offences were said to have occurred in April and May 2024.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.
EFCC counsel, Hanatu Kofarnaisa, requested that the court set a trial date and remand the defendants in custody. However, their lawyers, Clement Onwenwnor (SAN) and Laolu Owolabi (SAN), applied for bail and offered to take custody of their clients pending bail perfection.
Justice Dada granted bail in the sum of ₦500,000 each, with one surety each in the same amount. The sureties must show evidence of employment and at least two years of tax payments to the Lagos State Government. The court also allowed the defence lawyers to temporarily take custody of the accused persons pending the completion of bail conditions.
The case was adjourned to October 29 for the commencement of trial.