By Abiola Olawale
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a two-count charge against three men: Michael Igbomins, David Onyeike and Moses Iruolaje, before the Ikeja Special Offences Court.
The three suspects were alleged to have stolen a total of N3.5 billion from Access Bank.
Consequently, the anti-graft agency arraigned the suspects before the court on two counts of stealing and retention of proceeds of crime.
Appearing before the presiding judge, Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, the defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
In his argument, the EFCC counsel, Abdulhamid Tukur, prayed the court to grant a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded in a correctional facility.
The defence counsel, however, informed the court that there was no pending application before the court and prayed that the needful would be done before the next adjourned date.
Tukur said the three men allegedly violated Section 17 of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004 and Section 280 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
The prosecution submitted that the defendants, with dishonest intent, allegedly stole and converted for use the sum of N3.5 billion, property of Access Bank.
Following arguments from both parties, the trial judge, Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, granted an order to remand the defendants at Ikoyi Custodial Centre pending the hearing and determination of their bail application.
Also, Abike-Fadipe adjourned the case until 28 November for the commencement of trial.
