EFCC arraigns two for N12.9m, $108, 762 fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Command has arraigned the duo of Joseph Akadu Asukwo and Emmanuel Ekenedilichukwu Armstrong before Justice Maureen Adaobi Onyetenu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Uyo Akwa Ibom State, bordering on criminal activities.

Asukwo was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on criminal conversion and stealing to the tune of N12, 993, 600.00 (Twelve Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, Six Hundred Naira), while Armstrong was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation, forgery, and criminal diversion to the tune of $108, 762.5 (One Hundred and Eight Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty Two United States of American Dollars and Five Cents).

The defendants pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them separately, and in view of their pleas, Counsel to the EFCC, Farida Bukar, prayed the court to fix a date for trial and for the defendants to be remanded at the Uyo Correctional Centre.

However, defence counsel Michael Ishadu attempted an oral bail application, which did not succeed.

Justice Onyetenu remanded the defendants at the Uyo Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to October 26, 2023, for the hearing of bail applications.

EFCC arrested Asukwo for criminal diversion of a company’s funds (Aimhye Integrated Concept Limited) to the tune of N12,993,600.00 (twelve million, nine hundred and ninety-three thousand, six hundred Naira only), while Armstrong was arrested on June 22, 2023, at Captain Iniobong Avenue in Osongama, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for suspected online criminal activities.

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