By Innocent Anaba

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday, arraigned Ecobank Nigeria Plc and one of its employees, Mr Anieka Udoh, before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, for allegedly defrauding a Major-General of $60,000.

EFCC operatives

The victim of the alleged fraud is Major-General Mohammed Umoru.

Ecobank and its employee were charged on a five count-charge of Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offence,  popularly called 419.

The defendants were arraigned before Justice Saliu Saidu.

The EFCC in the charged marked FHC/L/55c/19, alleged that Ecobank and Udoh,  who is in the employment of Ecobank Plc were alleged to have negligently failed to exercise due diligence in relation to conduct of financial transactions with Major General Mohammed fraudulently opened and operated an Ecobank account number 0015052989 in the name of Mohammed Umaru  without the knowledge and authority of the customer, Mohammed Umaru.

They were also alleged to have on January 28, 2016 in  Lagos fraudulently withdrew and converted the sum of $10, 000 from Mohammed Umaru’s Ecobank account Domiciliary account number 43336361424 without his knowledge and authority.

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The offences according to the prosecutor, Mrs. O. Bilikisu, are contrary to and punishable sections 7(3)(a) and (b) of the advance Fee fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006.

The second defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following the not guilty plea of the defendant, the prosecutor pleaded with the court to remand the defendant in prison custody pending trial.

However, counsel to the defendant, O. J. Owoh, pleaded with the court for a short adjournment for him to bring a proper application before the court.

Justice Saidu after listening to both parties, ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody and consequently adjourned the matter till March 12, for trial.