EFCC Arraigns Viscount Microfinance Bank MD, Another Suspect Over Alleged Fraud in Abuja
The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank, Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei, before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged fraud involving millions of naira and foreign currency investments.
Gozi-Anyaokei was arraigned on Tuesday before Justice Y. Halilu on a two-count charge bordering on illegal conversion and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly converted N19 million and $30,000 entrusted to her by one Ernest Terkula Jor for investment purposes to personal use.
The anti-graft agency stated that the alleged offences contravened Sections 311 and 312 of the Penal Code Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following her plea, prosecution counsel, S.N. Robert, requested a trial date, while the court granted the defendant bail with two sureties who must possess landed property within Abuja.
Justice Halilu also ordered the defendant to deposit her travel documents with the court and barred her from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s permission.
The matter was adjourned until July 19, 2026, for commencement of trial.
In a related development, the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the EFCC also arraigned Ugochukwu Daniel Ifeanachor before Justice J.O. Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged fraud and money laundering involving N20 million.
Ifeanachor is facing a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, advance fee fraud, and money laundering.
The EFCC alleged that the defendant fraudulently obtained N20 million from one Ezekwuche Chinedu Paul under the pretext of purchasing 55 all-in-one desktop computer systems.
The commission further alleged that the suspect used the funds through his Access Bank account despite allegedly knowing the money was proceeds of unlawful activities.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the arraignment, prosecution counsel, Joyce Audu, prayed the court for a trial date.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until July 6, 2026, and ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the commencement of trial.
EFCC Arraigns Viscount Microfinance Bank MD, Another Suspect Over Alleged Fraud in Abuja