Female Bank Manager Arraigned By EFCC Over N8m Fraud

The EFCC on Thursday May 5, 2016 arraigned one Irene Okeoha before Justice S.C. Amadi of the State High Court, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State on 1-count charge of stealing to the tune of N8million.

Okeoha, who is the customer service manager, Ecobank Plc, Hotel Presidential branch, allegedly defrauded the bank of the sum of eight million naira.

The charge against her read;
“That you, Mrs. Irene Okeoha on or about 17th February, 2016 at Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt, within the Port Harcourt Division of this Honorable Court did fraudulently steal the sum of N8 million only, property of Ecobank Plc and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code CAP 37 Vol. 11 Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999.”

She pleaded not guilty. The prosecution counsel Ben Ubi urged the court to fix a date for commencement of trial and to remand the defendant in prison custody. However, the defence counsel, B. Igeongei, prayed the court to grant his client bail as the accused was already on administrative bail by the EFCC.

Justice Amadi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20million and one surety in the like sum. The surety who must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court, should possess a landed property to be verified by the prosecution. The Surety is also to depose to an affidavit of means.

Justice Amadi adjourned the case to May 25, for trial and ordered that Mrs. Irene Okeoha to be remanded in prison custody pending when she could meet her bail conditions.