Businessman arraigned over alleged N84 million fraud

FOR alleged fraud of N84 million, a businessman, Edrian Ididia has been re- arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) before a Lagos Special Offences Court, Ikeja.

Ididia was re- arraigned before Justice Ismail Ijelu on two- count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and stealing N84 million.

The defendant was some time in 2022 arraigned before Justice Serifat Solebo, who is now retired, and granted bail .

However, at the resumed hearing yesterday, the EFCC counsel, Ebuka Okongwu prayed the court to allow the two amended counts dated November 25, 2021 to be read to the defendant so he can take his plea.

His prayer for re- arraignment was not opposed by the defendant’s counsel, Dada Awosika ( SAN).

Ididia was therefore re- arraigned on a two- count charge of fraud and stealing of the N84 million. EFCC alleged that Ididia obtained money by false pretence contrary to Sections 1( 1) and 1( 3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.

He was alleged to have obtained N84 million with intent to defraud from one Mark David Umeh on the false representation that he had three Sports Utility Vehicles ( SUVS) for sale in September 2019, knowing full well that his claim was false.

The offence of stealing is contrary to Sections 278 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, No 11, 2011.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

After listening to both counsel, Justice Ijelu fixed May 22 for ruling on bail application and released Ididia to Awosika SAN.