The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned two former bank staff, Eke Kingsley and Simon Ononobi, before Justice L.C. Azuama of the State High Court, Orlu, Imo State for alleged fraud.

The duo were arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing of N21
​ ​million contrary to section 495 (a) of the Criminal Code Law Cap 30 of Imo State.

Messrs. Kingsley and Simon were staff of a new generation bank before they were arrested for the alleged crime.

They allegedly conspired and changed the account mandate of Irewolede Housing Estate belonging to Kwara State Government and converted the said sum to their personal use.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.

According to one of the counts, “Eke Chukwudi Kingsley, Simon Onyekachi and others now at large, on or about the 24th day of March 2014, at Orlu, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of Orlu, in Imo State, with intent to defraud, stole the sum of N4,660,000.00 through electronic transfer from Account No 0020721044 belonging to Kwara State Irewolede Housing Estate domiciled with Access Bank Nigeria Plc. and thereby committed an offence”.

In view of the accused persons’ plea, the prosecuting counsel, Mbachie Innocent, asked for a trial date.

The defence counsel, Ben Nwanegbo, on the other hand, applied for bail of his clients.

The application was however opposed by the prosecuting counsel on the grounds that the accused persons could jump bail.

Justice Azuama therefore granted them bail in the sum of N900,000 and one surety each in like sum.

The court said the surety must be resident of Imo State and has​, either a chieftaincy title or be a public servant of the rank of director.

They are also to have landed property within Imo State with Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and evidence of tax clearance for 3 years.

The case was adjourned to February 24, March 7 and 16 for hearing.