The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned three staff members of a first-generation bank—Samuel Ihechukwu Asiegbu, Kingsley Kelechi Ejim, and Fabian Chizaram Onyeimachi—before Justice Daniel Osiagor at the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos.
The Lagos Zonal Command of the commission on Friday, May 23, 2025, charged the bank workers alongside four other individuals—Hamza Zakariya, Achionu Chukwuka Ubaku, Hannah Okunlola Adesokan, and Sunday Osademe.
The defendants face an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretenses, amounting to N8.5 billion.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges when read in court.
Following their plea, prosecuting counsel Aso Larrys Peters requested the court to set a date for trial and to remand the defendants at the Nigerian Correctional Centre.
However, counsel to Hannah Okunlola pleaded for her to be held in EFCC custody due to health concerns.
The presiding judge directed that five of the accused be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service, while Hannah Okunlola remain in EFCC custody pending trial, as requested by her lawyer.
Another defendant, Kingsley Ejim Kelechi, was allowed to remain on his existing bail conditions.
Meanwhile, the case has been adjourned to June 6, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
