3 ex-bankers docked for theft of N12.1million

Wednesday, September 23, 2015 11:23 am

Rita Emmanuel: one of the accused

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has docked three former bankers – Rita Emmanuel, Orjiri Martins and Monday Chibueze Ben, before Justice G. C. Aguma of the State High Court, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing of N12,150,000.

Emmanuel, a customer service manager and teller of a new generation bank, allegedly converted the sum of N6,075,000 belonging to some bank customers to personal use. The fraud was allegedly concealed by Martins and Ben. The trio, who were present in court,were alleged to have deliberately conspired to defraud the bank.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In view of their plea, prosecuting counsel, U. R. Ewoh asked the court for a date to commence trial.

Chibueze Ben; another member of the gang

Counsel for the 1st and 3rd accused persons, V. F. Ajoku, and Smart Ikenga for the 2nd accused person, however, prayed that the court should grant the accused bail.

Justice Aguma granted the accused bail in the sum of N3,000,000 and one surety each. The surety who must be resident in Rivers State must be a civil servant on Grade Level 14 or a Medical Doctor, their office, status, and address must be verified by the court and the passport of the accused persons should be deposited in the court.

The case was adjourned to November 4, 2015.