EFCC Arraigns Ex-Banker Chinonso Akujobi Over Alleged ₦294.5 Million Theft
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former banker, Chinonso Akujobi, before the Lagos State High Court over the alleged theft of ₦294.5 million.
Akujobi was brought before Justice I.O. Ijelu on charges bordering on stealing and the alleged diversion of funds while employed by a new-generation bank. The anti-graft agency accused the defendant of unlawfully taking and converting the money for personal use.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offences contravene provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State. The commission told the court that the defendant’s actions resulted in the unlawful diversion of bank funds amounting to ₦294,595,992.
During the proceedings, Akujobi pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him. Following the plea, prosecution counsel urged the court to fix a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded pending the commencement of the trial.Counsel for the defendant, however, applied for bail, asking the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms while assuring the court that he would not interfere with the trial or jump bail.
After listening to both parties, Justice Ijelu granted the defendant bail under conditions set by the court and adjourned the matter to a later date for the commencement of trial.The EFCC stated that it remains committed to prosecuting financial crimes and recovering stolen public and private assets in line with its mandate. The commission added that the case forms part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen accountability and combat financial crimes within Nigeria’s banking sector.
