Ikoyi, Lagos state – Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned one Precious Chimaobi Uzondu over his alleged refusal to accept naira as a legal tender.
Uzondu was arraigned on a two-count charge before Justice A.O. Owoeye of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, on Wednesday, February 5, 2025.
The anti-graft agency made this known via its X handle @officialEFCC on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
“That you, Precious Chimaobi Uzondu, on the 10th of December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria’s legal tender) by accepting the sum of $5700 (Five Thousand Seven Hundred USD) as a means of payment for a purchase of a Carter diamond bracelet with a serial number (12345678) and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 20 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.”
Uzondu, however, pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.
The prosecution counsel, Hannatu U. Kofar Naisa, prayed to the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in a Correctional Centre.
Uzondu’s counsel, Jennifer Achinuagole, informed the court of a pending bail application and prayed the court to adopt the same as her oral application.
Legit.ng also reported that the EFCC Lagos Zonal Directorate arraigned nine Chinese nationals and Genting International Co. Ltd. on February 6, 2025, over alleged cybercrimes.
The defendants, accused of cyber-terrorism, fraud, and identity theft, pleaded “not guilty” to charges related to cryptocurrency investment and romance scams.
The court adjourned the case to February 21 and March 7, 2025, while the EFCC urged Nigerians to be cautious of fraudulent online schemes.
Man allegedly scams Hajj pilgrims of N144 million
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that EFCC arraigned Mustapha Mohammed, CEO of MB Lugga Global Travels, for allegedly defrauding Hajj pilgrims of N144,162,500.
The court has adjourned the case for a ruling on the bail application and ordered Mohammed’s remand at the Gombe State Correctional Facility.
The defendant is facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit fraud and money laundering.
