By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
The Uyo Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the duo of Joseph Akadu Asukwo and Emmanuel Ekenedilichukwu Armstrong before Justice Maureen Adaobi Onyetenu of the Federal High Court, sitting in Uyo Akwa Ibom State.
While Asukwo was arraigned on a three- count charge bordering on criminal conversion and stealing to the tune of N12, 993, 600.00 (Twelve Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, Six Hundred Naira), Armstrong was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on fraudulent impersonation, forgery and criminal diversion to the tune of $108, 762.5 (One Hundred and Eight Thousand, Seven Hundred and Sixty Two United States of American Dollars and Five Cents).
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them separately, and in view of their pleas, Counsel to the EFCC, Farida Bukar, prayed the court to fix a date for trial and for the defendants to be remanded at the Uyo Correctional Centre.
However, defence counsel, Michael Ishadu attempted an oral bail application, which did not succeed.
Justice Onyetenu remanded the defendants at the Uyo Correctional Centre, and adjourned the matter to October 26, 2023 for the hearing of bail applications.
Asukwo was arrested for criminal diversion of a company (Aimhye Integrated Concept Limited)’s funds, to the tune of N12, 993, 600.00 (Twelve Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Three Thousand, Six Hundred Naira only) while Armstrong was arrested on June 22, 2023 at Captain Iniobong Avenue at Osongama, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for suspected online criminal activities.