The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, yesterday arraigned one Benedicta Akunna Onwuamagbu and her hotel, Benitex Hotels Limited before the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on one count charge bordering on obtaining the sum of N120 million under false pretense.
The case was presided over by Justice A.M Liman and the count charge against the defendant read: “that you Benedicta Akunna Onwuamagbu between 23rd February, 2010, at Muoba Rumuokwuta, Port Harcourt within the jurisdiction of this Honorable court with intent to defraud obtained a building and premises known as Focal Hotels Limited situate, lying and being at No. 121, NTA Road, Mgbuoba Obio/Akpor Local Government Area Rivers State from one Chief Engr. Obadiah Ezenekwe, under the pretence that you are capable of paying the total sum of N120.000,000.00 (One Hundred and Twenty Million Naira) only being the cost price for the sale of the building and premises, which pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under section 1 (3) of the same Act.”
athe defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge levelled against her and in view of the plea, the prosecution counsel, E. Abiyesuku, requested the court to set a trial commencement date.
Justice A.M Liman in turn adjourned the matter to June 15, 2016 while granting the defendant bail based on the application of her counsel, Dr. A. O. Yusuf.
The court set bail for the defendant at One Million Naira (N1, 000, 000. 00) and one surety in like sum. The defendant is to be remanded in custody till he bail conditions are perfected.