The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday arraigned one Clement Joseph alias Dr. Omale, before Justice O. A. Otaluka of the FCT High Court sitting in Lugbe, Abuja, on a seven-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N5.6 million.

Joseph and his accomplices, who are currently on the run, allegedly connived and fraudulently defrauded one Bola Akintola of the said sum under the pretext of having a mystical power to deliver her of untimely death.

The offence is contrary to Section 8 (a) and 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.

Particulars of Count Seven of the charge read: “Clement Joseph (Alias Dr. Omale), Mr. Paul (at large), Mr. Papa (at large), Mr. Ifeanyi (at large) and Mrs. Ments (at large) on or about the 29th day of June 2016 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with the intent to defraud obtained the sum of N1,000,000.00 (One Million Naira only) from Mrs. Bola Akintola under the false pretence that you are a native doctor/herbalist and the money was required for the purchase of materials for the cleansing of blood money contained in a polythene (Ghana Must Go) bag to prevent the untimely death of Mrs. Bola Akintola which representation you knew to be false.”

The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charge.

In view of his plea, counsel to EFCC, Elizabeth Alabi asked the court to fix a date for trial and urged the court to remand the defendant in prison custody pending trial.

Justice Otaluka adjourned to March 23, 2017 for commencement of trial.

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