The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu State Zonal Command, has brought Ugwu Chekwube before Justice Mohammed Umar of the Federal High Court in Independence Layout, Enugu State, on charges related to fraud.
Chekwube, alongside his accomplice Ugo Onuaguluchi, who is currently at large, allegedly engaged in a scheme to defraud Zod International Developers of N85 million under the pretense of securing a contract for the construction of six district hospitals in Ebonyi State.
According to the EFCC’s statement released on Monday, Chekwube was arraigned on four counts bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretense.
It was reported that despite receiving the substantial amount, the defendant failed to secure the promised contract or refund the money to the petitioner.
One of the counts against Chekwube and his accomplice stated their intention “to defraud and induce one Zod International Developers to deliver the sum of N85,000,000.00 under the pretense of securing a contract.”
Chekwube pleaded not guilty to the charges, prompting the EFCC counsel, Nuradeen Ingawa, to request a trial date and the remand of the defendant at the Enugu State Correctional Centre. However, the defense counsel, M. C. Onwuzuruoha, informed the court about a pending bail application.
Subsequently, Justice Umar adjourned the case until April 17, 2024, for a hearing on the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Enugu State Correctional facility.
In a related development, the EFCC also disclosed the arrest of 37 suspected internet fraudsters in various parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. These suspects will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of the investigation.