By Chisom Unachukwu

Lagos—A former staff of a first generation bank, Anthony Oghenakhoigie, who allegedly forged three account numbers to steal N7.1 million, was arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, yesterday.

The 26-year-old Oghenakhogie, whose residential address was not given, is facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and stealing preferred against him by the Police.

The prosecutor, Inspector Abbass Abayomi, told the court that the defendant and others still at large committed the alleged offences between August and October.

Abayomi said: “The defendant, and others still at large, forged details of three accounts in order to defraud the bank.”

He added that they stole a total sum of N7,127,032.48, the property of the bank.

According to Abayomi, the offences committed are punishable under Sections 411,365(3) (g) and 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge and Magistrate Abimbola Komolafe granted him bail in the sum of N5 million, with two sureties in like sum.

She said that the sureties must be gainfully employed, adding that one of the sureties must be a blood relation.

Magistrate Komolafe also ordered that the sureties must show evidence of three years tax payment to Lagos State government, evidence of bank statement, affidavit of means and verification of address.

The case was adjourned to January 9, 2018 for mention.