EFCC Arraigns 2 Fake Bank Directors

Ladipo Sanusi/

Two alleged fake bank directors were today charged before a Federal High Court in Lagos.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused the two, Chester Onyemaechi Ukandu and Achi George, of falsely representing themselves as directors of Mainstream Bank Registrars Limited.

They were arraigned before Justice Rilwan Aikawa on two counts charge of false claims.

The EFCC, in the charge marked FHC /L/424c/2017, alleged that the two accused persons “had on February 21, 2017, within the jurisdiction of the court, held themselves out as directors of Mainstream Bank Registrar Limited, vide a letter dated February 14, 2017, addressed to the Manager, Skye Bank Plc, Ilupeju branch, Lagos, captioned: ‘Appointment of New Signatories to the account of Mainstream Bank Registrars Limited’, which they personally signed”.

They were also alleged to have, on the same date, addressed a letter captioned, ‘Notification about the change in the board and management of the Mainstream Bank Registrars Limited’, to the Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Abuja.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, Mr. Ayokunle Fayanju, are contrary to sections 244(1) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act. Cap. C20, laws of the federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under section 244(3) of the same Act.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following their plea, the prosecutor urged the court to remand them in prison custody, pending the conclusion of trial.

But their lawyer, Mr. Samuel Ague, urged the court to admit them to bail under liberal terms.

The lawyer told the court he had filed a bail application and would want the court to grant them bail because of their status in the country.

He said the first accused, Ukandu, is the chairman of a Microfinance Bank and many other companies, while the second accused is also a well-respected individual. He assured the court the duo would not jump bail.

Ruling on the bail application, Justice Aikawa granted the two accused persons bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety each in the same amount.

The judge also ordered that each surety must be owner of a landed property in Ikoyi, Lekki, Ikeja or Victoria Island. He said the original Certificate of Occupancy of the land must be verified and deposited with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar.

He also ordered the accused persons to report at the EFCC’s office every Monday.

The accused persons are to be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

Trial was adjourned till December 12.

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