A Federal High Court, Lagos, on Wednesday adjourned to April 11 to enable prosecution effect service of criminal charges on 15 defendants and two companies, charged with N2.6 billion fraud.
The defendants were Nigeria International Bank Ltd, Chief C. S Sankey, Eneka Enuma, Adekunle Oladosun, Okechi Egwu, Lulu Ndubuka, Oyowole Ariyo. UKabiru Bello, and J.E Eriagbon.
The others were Samson Ebie, Steve Obodomechine, Mikky Dons Nig. Ltd., Mark Anaele, Peter Harris, Peter Oriade, Olusola Fagbure and Obianwa Chuba.
They were to be arraigned on a 20-count charge of conspiracy, intent to defraud, falsification of document, fraudulent alteration and diversion of N2. 6 billion belonging to MicMerah International Agency Ltd.
The case, which was fixed for arraignment of the defendants, was again stalled at the resumed date due to the absence of the defendants in court.
When the case was called, only the first defendant represented by its staff was present in court.
The Prosecutor, Mr Gordy Uche, then informed the court that the prosecution was still faced with difficulty in effecting service of the charge on the defendants.
He, therefore, informed the court of an exparte application, seeking leave of court to allow the complainant effect service of the charge on the defendants.
Justice Ibrahim Buba granted the application, and adjourned the case till April 11 for continuation.
In the charge, the defendants were alleged to have conspired to induce MicMerah International Agency Ltd., to deliver the said sum to them, to be used for offsetting a fraudulent import finance facility scheme.
They were also alleged to have falsified documents to fraudulently secure the release of four Volvo luxury buses and two 40 feet containers from the Nigeria Custom Service.
The defendants were also charged with obtaining property by false pretence as well as corruptly enriching themselves.
The offence contravened Sections 1(1) (a),1(3), and 8 (a) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Related offence Act, 2004.
The offence also contravened Sections 161, and 162 of the Custom and Excise Management Act, Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, 2004 as well as Sections 2, 2(1) and 10 (1) of the Recovery of Public Property Act, 2004. (NAN)