…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media.
A self-proclaimed cleric in Enugu State, Apostle Uchechukwu Samuel, has been arrested and arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges related to fraudulent activity.
The cleric, along with an accomplice named Bisiriyu Oriyomi (currently at large), is accused of converting the sum of N5.435 million belonging to Mr. Eugene Onyegbulaonweya for personal use.
Arraignment and Charges
Apostle Samuel appeared before Justice H.O Eya of the Enugu State High Court, where he faced seven counts, including stealing, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretense.
Upon the reading of all charges, the cleric pleaded “not guilty” to the accusations.
Prosecution and Trial Proceedings
Following Apostle Samuel’s plea, the prosecution counsel, Ani Ikechukwu Michael, requested the court to schedule a trial date.
The court granted the defendant bail and adjourned the case until July 4 and 5, 2023, for further proceedings.
Details of the Charges
Count one of the charges states that Apostle Samuel and Mr. Bisiriyu Oriyomi (now at large) conspired in 2019 within the jurisdiction of the court to commit a felony, specifically stealing by conversion, thereby violating Section 495 of the Criminal Code Law.
Count two alleges that between August 21, 2019, and December 17, 2019, Apostle Samuel and Mr. Bisiriyu Oriyomi (now at large) committed a felony by fraudulently converting an aggregate sum of N5,435,000.00 belonging to Mr. Eugene Onyegbulaonweya for personal use.
This offense is in violation of sections 342 and 343 of the Criminal Code Law, punishable under section 353(f) and (i) of the same law, as stated in the charge.