EFCC arraigns four for counterfeit currency in Makurdi

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5 years ago

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Makurdi zonal office, on Thursday arraigned four people at the Federal High Court, Makurdi.

The suspects were arraigned on a two-count charge for possessing and altering two counterfeit fifty dollars($50) United States’ currencies.

Those arrested, according to the anti-graft commission were; Otene Paul Olafikwu, John Garba Aondohemba, Simon Atsen Gbagir and Janet Tyondugh

The charge read to the suspects states, “That you, Otene Paul Ofilakwu, Janet Tyondugh, Simon Atsen and John Garba Aondohemba sometime in 2019 in Makurdi, Benue State within the jurisdiction of this honourable Court, did alter two $50 U.S notes bearing serial No. B121997021C and B121997020C know same to be counterfeit bank currency notes and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 5(1)(a) and punishable under section 5 of the Counterfeit Currency (Special Prohibition) Act CAP. C35 LFN 2004.

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The suspects pleaded ‘not guilty’ when the charge was read to them.

The prosecution counsel, G. G. Chia-Yakua, asked for a trial date and urged the Court to remand the accused in a correctional centre.

He told the court that the first defendant, Simon Atsen Gbagir has made application to the Commission to enter into a plea bargain agreement which they are still working on.

But his counsel I. M. Mari made an oral application for bail on behalf of his client on liberal terms.

But the counsel to 2nd, 3rd and 4th defendant, E. I. Laren, urged the court to admit them to bail pending the final determination of the case against them.

Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N500,000.00 with one surety in like sum,

The suspects were remanded in EFCC custody pending the perfection of their bail condition, and the case was adjourned till February 11, 2020, for mention.