A 43-year-old businesswoman, Christy Essien, has been arraigned at a Wuse, Zone 6 Chief Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for allegedly issuing dud cheques for loan repayment.
Essien, who lives at Mararaba, Nasarawa State, pleaded not guilty to a three-count charge of criminal breach of trust, cheating and issuance of dud cheque.
Prosecutor Anthony Nku told the court Emmanuel Egwuma, of Colindale Empowerment Resources Ltd, Mararaba, reported the matter at Maitama Police Station, Abuja, on May 3.
He alleged the defendant obtained a loan of N800,000 from the complainant’s office, and promised to pay back within three months with seven per cent interest rate. The prosecutor said when the time elapsed, the defendant issued a Heritage Bank cheque of N326,000, and Diamond Bank cheque of N 978,000.
He alleged both cheques bounced when the complainant presented them for payment.
The offences contravene sections 312, 322 and 1B of Dud Cheque Act, Cap 102 Law of Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Chief Magistrate Theresa Otu granted bail to the defendant at N200,000 with two sureties.
She adjourned the case till August 22 for hearing.