Businessman Remanded in Prison over N41.6Million Alleged Theft

Azeez Folorunso/

A suspected serial fraudster was denied bail today at a Lagos High Court in a case of N41.6million theft filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Okoro Samuel was remanded in Ikoyi prison, after Justice Mojisola Dada declined the bail application filed by his counsel, Mrs Janet Okolie. The Judge, however, affirmed the prosecution’s prayer for accelerated hearing.

Described as a businessman, Samuel was facing a two-count charge of stealing and obtaining money under false pretence alongside his company, Jayjingo Nigeria Limited.

The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendant dishonestly stole and converted the money to his own use.

It claimed that defendant fraudulently obtained the money on the representation that he had $130, 000 to sell to Onoja Usman, the Managing Director of Lovonus Trust and investment Limited.

EFCC’s counsel, Samuel Daji, informed the Court of its readiness to continue with the trial, noting that three out of seven witnesses were present in court.

But Okolie opposed commencement of trial. She informed the Court that she needed time to study the case file and to prepare for defence.

She also said she had filed application for bail and asked the Court to grant her client bail.

She described her client as a family man with reasonable surety, adding that he had no criminal record.

Further hearing was adjourned till February 5, 2018.

0