Matilda Omonaiye/
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abuja Zonal Directorate, has arraigned a company manager, Orbby Vanessa Agwuncha, before Justice O.A. Egwuata of the Federal High Court, Abuja, for allegedly failing to meet mandatory anti-money laundering compliance requirements.
Agwuncha, allegedly operating under the business name Bill Interserve Global and classified as a Designated Non-Financial Business and Profession (DNFBP), was docked on a two-count charge bordering on failure to develop internal structures to combat money laundering and related financial crimes.
According to the EFCC, the violations were committed between September 26 and October 30, 2023.
In the first count, Agwuncha allegedly failed to designate a management-level compliance officer, contrary to Section 10(1)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, an offence punishable under Section 19(2)(b).
Count two alleges that she failed to establish an Internal Audit unit to ensure effective enforcement of anti-money laundering measures, in violation of Section 16(2)(b) of the Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read to her.
Following her plea, prosecuting counsel J.N. Dogonyaro urged the court to fix a date for trial, stating that the prosecution was ready to prove its case.
Defence counsel, however, prayed the court to grant bail to the defendant.
In his ruling, Justice Egwuata admitted Agwuncha to bail in the sum of ₦50 million with two sureties in like sum. The court further stipulated that the sureties must be civil servants not below Grade Level 16, possess verifiable landed property in Abuja backed by a Certificate of Occupancy, and be persons of reputable character.
The sureties were also ordered to deposit their travel documents with the court and are restricted from travelling outside the country without judicial permission.
Pending the perfection of her bail conditions, the judge ordered that Agwuncha be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility. The case was adjourned to February 16, 2026, for commencement of trial.
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