ABUJA – A Bank Manager, Raphael Imoukhuede, was on Thursday arraigned in a Gudu Upper Area Court, FCT, for alleged cheating.
Imoukheude of Block 12, flat 3, Shandam Close, Area 11, Garki, Abuja, is standing trial on a three-count charge of joint act, criminal breach of trust and cheating.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Ambi Ayuba told the court that one Hajiya Hauwa Mohammed of No. 69, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja, reported the matter at the Garki Police Station.
He further said that the complainant sought a loan of N15 million from Fortis Micro finance Bank sometime in July through the accused.
The prosecutor further told the court that the accused, being a manager in the bank, was introduced to the complainant through two friends– now at large.
He added that the accused demanded d N120, 000 from the complainant to facilitate the said loan and the complainant paid him.
Ayuba said that all efforts to trace the accused, get the loan or the refund the complainant’s N120, 000, had since proved abortive.
According to him, the police recovered N40, 000 from the accused in the course of investigations.
He said the offence contravened the provision of Section 79, 312 and 322 of the penal code, he said.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The counsel to the accused, Mr Rex Ereameh, made a bail application in favour of his client.
He assured the court that his client would provide a reliable surety, if granted bail.
The Judge, Umar Kagarko, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000, with a surety in the like sum, adding that the surety must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction.
The judge adjourned the case till Jan. 23, 2015 for further hearing. (NAN)