Jethro Ibileke/Benin

An Ecobank branch

A 32-year-old man, Doyin Abiodun, who was accused of stealing N48 million from Ecobank, has been arraigned before an Egor Magistrate’s Court in Benin, the Edo State.

Abiiodun who was arraigned on a seven-count charge of stealing, allegedly committed the offence in April  2013, at the Uselu branch of EcoBank Nigeria Plc.

Police prosecutor ‎told the court that Abiodun, in company of others already charged to court,‎ forged an identity card belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company,  bearing  “Oboite Jonathan Alele, which was used to defraud and facilitate a credit loan” of N32 million and N7 million respectively from the bank.

The accused and his other collaborators standing trial were also alleged to have forged the letterhead paper of the Edo State Sports Council, Benin, with the intent to defraud and facilitate a  loan from the bank.

In addition, they were said to have stolen the sum of N7 million ‎ and N9 million respectively, being property of the bank.

According to prosecution, the offences are punishable under Sections 467 and 390 (5) (6)‎ of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976, as applicable in Edo State.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Presiding Magistrate, William Aziegbemhin, granted the accused person bail in the sum of N3 million and a surety in like sum, who must be an employee in a recognised organisation.

Hearing in the matter has been adjourned to 5 October, 2015.