MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 29-year old Microfinance Bank staff, Ajofoyinbo Emmanuel, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly stealing customers N7m under false pretence of depositing the money in their various bank accounts.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Fortress Microfinance Bank located at Ikorodu Road, Ilupeju area of Lagos, where the suspect, Emmanuel, was employed as staff of the bank.
The Police alleged that Emmanuel went to different bank customers between August, 2022 and May, 2023 and obtained the money under false pretence of remitting same to their various accounts in the bank.
However, he collected the money, did not deposit it in bank and rather converted the money for his own use.
The alleged fraud got exposed when the customers went to withdraw their money at the bank and the management informed them that they do not have such amount of money in the bank.
The customers brought evidences of payment to their staff, Emmanuel, which he admitted to have collected and had spent to solve his personal problems.
The matter was reported to the Police at Ilupeju Division and Emmanuel was arrested. After thorough interrogation and having been found culpable, he was subsequently charged before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged offence.
He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Supol Benson Emerhi, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted him bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.