The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on January 14, 2019 arraigned one Chukwunyere Thomas Emefu, before Justice Yusuf Halilu of a Federal Capital Territory, FCT High Court, Maitama on a two-count charge bordering on dishonesty and unlawful conversion to the tune of N9, 000, 000 (Nine Million Naira) only.
He was arraigned along with his company, Ctradex Properties Limited.
It was alleged that he converted to his personal use, the sum of N2.5 million, being part payment for a plot of land at Corona Garden Estate, Plot 352, Cadastral Zone, Galadimawa District, Abuja.
It was further alleged that in 2016 he also diverted to his personal use, the sum of N6.5m for same purpose.
The matter was subsequently reported to the EFCC for investigation; upon completion of investigation the accused was arraigned.
Prosecuting counsel, Mary Onoja, told the court that the matter was slated for arraignment and applied that the charges be read to the accused person in order to take his plea.
The accused pleaded “not guilty” to the two counts.
In view of his plea, Onoja applied for a trial date and asked for “accelerated hearing”.
Defence counsel, R.O. Adakole, however, moved the motion for the bail of his client, arguing that “the reason for bail is to ensure that the defendant stands his trial”, and he was certain his client will not jump bail.
Justice Halilu, thereafter adjourned the matter to January 17, 2019 for “ruling” and ordered that the defendant be remanded in Suleja Prison.