26th March , 2025
Azeez Folorunso
Justice Ismail Ijelu of an Ikeja High court has remanded one Chukwujiwa Nwatu over alleged N29 million theft.
He was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretense and Stealing.
The EFCC prosecuting counsel, Minabani Owede told the court that he has a two count information dated August 19, 2024 and he is ready to commence arraignment.
The defense counsel, Chinedu Dike informed the court that the complaint Prince John whose is the complaint has reached an agreement with the defendant to resolve the matter.
Owede objected by saying he is just hearing this for the first time. The issue of settlement.
“My Lord, this is the third time this matter is coming up for arraignment, the last adjournment was because the defendant had absconded.”
Justice Ijelu ruled out the case of settlement and order the charges to be read to the defendant.
“The court don’t know anything about settlement but plea bargain” he said
The defendant pleaded not guilt to the charges when read to him.
Owede prayed to the court for a trial date in view of the not guilty plea of the defendant.
The defense counsel prayed to the court for a very short date as the defendant will be going for a plea bargain.
Justice Ijelu adjourned the case to Apil 18, 2024 for trail and plea bargain.
Some of the charges reads:”Chukwujiwa Nwatu and All Saints Elect and Elect Nigeria Limited between July, 2023 and November, 2023 at Lagos defraud obtained an aggregate sum of N29,000,000.00 from Omorogie Prince John Eze under the false pretense that the money is for the construction of a building at No 13 Olojo Drive, Ojo Town Lagos and that the project will commence on July, 2023 and completed within six months, a representation you knew or ought to have known to be false.”
“Chukwujiwa Nwatu and All Saints Elect and Elect Nigeria Limited between July, 2023 and November, 2023 at Lagos converted to your use the aggregate sum of N29,000.000.00 property of Omorogie Prince John Eze.”
