EFCC Arraigns former Perm Sec for N97.3m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Monday April 3rd, arraigned a former Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Labour, Clement O. Illoh, before Justice Babs O. Kuewumi of the Federal High Court, Lagos on a three-count charge bordering on failure to declare his assets. The accused person allegedly failed to disclose the sum of N97, 300, 613.44 Million, (Ninety Seven Million, Three Hundred Thousand, Six Hundred and Thirteen Naira, Forty-four Kobo) in his account number 3033750243 domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria Limited.
He also allegedly warehoused the sum of $139, 575. 50 USD, (One Hundred and Thirty-nine Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-Five United States Dollars, Fifty Cent) and £10, 121.52, (Ten Thousand One Hundred and Twenty-one Pounds) respectively in his account numbers 3033750243 and 2017262246 domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria Limited.
The offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 23(3)(c) of the Financial Crimes Commission (Establish) Act 2004.
One of the count:
“That you, Dr. Illoh Onubuogo Clement on the 19th day of April, 2016 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court failed to make full disclosure of your assets to with: the sum of N97, 300, 613. 44 ( Ninety- seven Million, Three Hundred Thousand, Six Hundred and Thirteen Naira, Forty- four Kobo), which sum you warehoused in Account No 3033750243 domiciled with First Bank of Nigeria Ltd in your name and you therefore committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 27(3) (C) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act 2004. “
The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, asked the court for a trial date.
However, the defence counsel, Tom Awhana, pleaded with the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms.
Consequently, Justice Kuewumi granted the accused bail in the sum of N50 million with one surety in like sum.
The surety must have a landed property within the court’s jurisdiction, with evidence of tax payment for three years.
The surety must submit his recent passport photograph with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar. Meanwhile, the defendant, who must also submit his international passport with the court’s Deputy Chief Registrar, was ordered to be remanded in the EFCC custody pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
Justice Kuewumi adjourned to May 8, 2017 for commencement of trial.
