Court Remands man over alleged N29 million theft
Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Ikeja High Court has remanded one Chukwujiwa Nwatu over an alleged N29 million theft.
Chukwujiwa was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge bordering obtaining money by false pretense and Stealing.
The EFCC prosecuting counsel, Minabani Owede, informed the court that he had a two-count information dated August 19, 2024, and was ready to commence arraignment.
The defense counsel, Chinedu Dike, informed the court that the complainant, Prince John, has reached an agreement with the defendant bro resolve the matter.
Owede objected by saying he is just hearing this for the first time—the issue of settlement.
“My Lord, this is the third time this matter is coming up for arraignment, the last adjournment was because the defendant had absconded.”
Justice Ijelu ruled out the case of settlement and ordered the charges to be read to the defendant.
“The court don’t know anything about settlement but plea bargain” he said
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when read to him.
Owede prayed to the court for a trial date, given the defendant’s not-guilty plea.
The defense counsel prayed to the court for a very short date as the defendant will be going for a plea bargain.
Justice Ijelu adjourned the case to Apil 18, 2024 for trail and plea bargain.
Some of the charges reads:” Chukwujiwa Nwatu and All Saints Elect and Elect Nigeria Limited between July, 2023 and November, 2023 at Lagos defraud obtained an aggregate sum of N29,000,000.00 from Omorogie Prince John Eze under the pretense that the money is for the construction of a building at No 13 Olojo Drive, Ojo Town Lagos and that the project will commence on July, 2023 and completed within six months, a representation you knew or ought to have known to be false.”
“Chukwujiwa Nwatu and All Saints Elect and Elect Nigeria Limited between July, 2023 and November, 2023 at Lagos converted to your use the aggregate sum of N29,000.000.00 property of Omorogie Prince John Eze.”
