The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned one Oluokun Gabriel Adekola of Kolanifemi New Era Foods Nigeria Enterprises, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State, on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretense, and money laundering to the tune of 22, 300 US Dollars.

The prosecutor stated that the offence is contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006, and Section 17(1), (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011 (as amended in 2012) and punishable under Section 17(1) (b) of the same Act.

The defendant allegedly diverted the sum transferred to him by a Taiwanese lady who resides in China for the supply of 100metric tons of sesame seeds. After collecting the sums, the accused failed to transact the business as agreed but allegedly diverted the money to other use.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him.

Upon his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Sanusi Galadanchi, asked for a trial date. However, the defense counsel, Akim Maisolati informed the court of a pending bail application dated 10th April, 2018. The prosecution, however, did not oppose the application for bail.

The presiding judge, Justice Abdulmalik admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira, and one surety in like sum. The surety shall be a Civil Servant in the Oyo State Civil Service and not below Grade level 15. The surety shall be an owner of a developed land and the certificate of occupancy of the land shall be verified by the registrar of the court. The surety shall depose to an affidavit of means with his passport photograph attached.

The defendant was remanded in Agodi prison pending the perfection of his bail terms.

The case is adjourned to May 7, 2018, for trial.

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