A man, identified as Michael Anan Onimisi, has been presented before Justice R.M Aikawa of the Federal High Court in Kaduna.
The charges against him stem from the creation of a software named “Bee-Leaf” and “Real-Eve” intended to deceive First City Monument Bank Plc and unlawfully obtain the sum of N17,785,010.75.
The Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) pressed charges against Onimisi, alleging that he designed the software with the intention of breaching the bank’s security measures to perpetrate fraud.
He faces a six-count indictment related to offenses involving internet fraud and money laundering.
One of the counts reads:-
“That you, Michael Anan Onimisi, sometime in June 2023, in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did directly retained the total sum of N17, 785,010.75 (Seventeen Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand, Ten Naira and Seventy-Five Fashion only), from First City Monument Bank Plc, which funds you knew forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and t.by committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d)of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”.
The suspect pleaded not guilty to the six-count charges when they were read to him.
Prosecution counsel, N. Salele, asked for a trial date and further prayed the court to remand the defendant at a Correctional Centre before the commencement of trial.
Meanwhile, defence counsel, Rabiu Mohammed informed the court of an application for bail before the court. Salele objected, pleading for more time to study and respond to it
After listening to the arguments of both counsels, Justice Aikawa t.after adjourned the matter till October 19, 2023, for hearing on the bail application and December 6, 2023, for commencement of trial.
He also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kaduna State.
