By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE
A 45-year-old man,Olu Osho, has been re-arraigned before a Lagos High Court in Igbosere for allegedly obtaining N100 million from First Bank Plc by false pretence.
The re-arraignment was sequel to the death of one Sunday Akinyemi, who was charged along with the defendant (Osho) in the initial charge, and was admitted on bail to enable him treat himself.
In the amended charge, Osho was charged along with Osborne Park Ltd, a company said to be owned by the deceased. The defendant was re-arraigned on a six-count-charge of forgery and fraud, which he pleaded not guilty to and was allowed to enjoy the initial bail granted him.
According to the charge sheet: “Olu Osho, Sunday Akinyemi (now deceased) and Osborne Park Ltd, on July 23, 2006 in Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division with intent to defraud, conspired to obtain the sum of one hundred million naira by false pretence from First Bank Plc.”
It was gathered that Akinyemi (deceased) was the Managing Director of Texas Connection Ferries, while Osho was the Executive Director of same company. Both directors were joint signatories to an account opened for Texas Connection Ferries in First Bank Plc. The deceased allegedly took a loan of N100 million and used the company as corporate guarantor, but the money was allegedly transferred to Osborne Park Ltd.
Mr Oyedepo Rotimi, counsel to the Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) informed the court that the offence was contrary to Section 1 (3) and (8a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006. The trial judge, Justice Ebenezer Adebajo adjourned the case till May 28 for mention.
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