EFCC arraigns 2 over false claim to be bank’s directors
Two men, who allegedly claimed to be directors of Mainstream Bank Registrars were on Tuesday arraigned before a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The two men: Chester Onyemaechi Ukandu and Achi George, were arraigned on a two count charge of conspiracy and forgery by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In the charge marked FHC /L/424c/2017, the anti-graft agency 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’, the letter 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 Security 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 two accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following their not guilty plea, the prosecutor, urged the court to remand them in prisons custody, pending the conclusion of trial.
However, their lawyer, Mr. Samuel Ague, urged the court to admit his clients to bail in the most liberal terms.
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The lawyer told the court that he just filed a bail application to that effect, and will wants court to grant them bail because of their statues in the country.
He told the court the first accused, Chester, is a chairman of a Microfinance bank, and many other companies.
He also told the court that the second accused, is a well-respected man. Adding that the two accused persons will not jump bail if granted.
Justice Rilwan 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 a landed property owner in Ikoyi, Lekki, Ikeja and Victoria Island of the court’s jurisdiction.
And that the original Certificate of Occupancy (C-of-O) of the said land must be verified and deposited with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR).
He also ordered that the accused persons must report at the EFCC’s office every Monday.
He ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prisons custody pending the perfection of the bail conditions. Meanwhile, the court has adjourned the case till December 12, 2017.
