The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken legal action against two bankers for allegedly selling newly minted N500,000 to clients.
According to a statement by EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the accused were arrested on November 15, 2024 at their workplace at 18 Okpara Avenue, Enugu State, based on actionable intelligence linking them to the sale of Naira mints in the Enugu State metropolis.
The accused, Ekpe Anayaoha Okoronkwo and Umeonuoha Onyinye, were produced before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.
Oyewale revealed that the accused allegedly sold N500,000 in denominations of N200 to one Husseini Ibrahim.
The charge reads: “That you, Ekpe Anayaoha Okoronkwo and Umeonuoha Onyinye, sometime in October 2024 at Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, sold a total sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (500,000 .00 naira). ) mints in denominations of two hundred Naira notes (N200), issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria in the name of one Husseini Ibrahim, thereby committing an offense contrary to section 21(4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 and punishable under article 21 (1) of the same law.”
Okoronkwo pleaded guilty to the charge, while Onyinye pleaded not guilty.
In response, counsel for the EFCC and Chief Superintendent, Rotimi Ajobiewe, sought a brief date for the court to review the case relating to the first accused.
CN Agama, counsel for the second accused, sought remand from the court.
In his ruling, Justice Umar adjourned the matter until January 15, 2025, for the hearing of Onyinye's bail application and Okoronkwo's sentencing.