The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Port Harcourt Zonal Command, has initiated legal proceedings against Godfrey Oscar Opara, an estate agent accused of defrauding Mr. Ibim Simeon Dakubo of N25.4 million, representing proceeds from a real estate transaction.
The charges, consisting of four counts related to obtaining money by false pretense, were brought before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Specific Allegations:
Opara faces charges for allegedly attempting to defraud Mr. Ibim Simeon Dakubo of N16,200,000 by falsely claiming ownership of two land plots that belonged to another individual.
These charges are in violation of Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offenses Act, 2006, with penalties stipulated under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
Details of the Accusations:
According to a statement from the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the defendant acted as an agent in the sale of a property but failed to remit the property or the proceeds to the rightful owner.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions:
The case, presided over by Justice P.I. Ajoku, saw the defendant pleading not guilty to the charges. Following the hearing, Justice Ajoku granted Opara bail in the sum of N1 million, along with two sureties who must also present the same amount.
Bail Criteria:
Justice Ajoku specified that the sureties should be graduates at least on grade level 12 and employed as public servants by either the Federal Government of Nigeria or the River State Government.
Additionally, the sureties must reside in Port Harcourt, possess a landed property with a Certificate of Occupancy, and provide two recent passport photos to the court registry.
Verification letters from their respective offices, either from the Federal or State Government, were also mandated.
Remand and Trial Date:
While the defense attorney, Okey Ehogwo, had earlier sought bail for the defendant, the prosecution’s attorney, M. Abubakar, requested the court to set a new trial date.
Justice Ajoku remanded Opara in the custody of the Nigeria Correctional Service, with the trial scheduled to commence on May 6, 2024, subject to the fulfillment of all bail requirements.
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn
Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media
