Bankers Face Trial for Alleged Currency Racketeering in Enugu

Afimag.com –

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two bankers, Ekpe Anayaoha Okoronkwo and Umeonuoha Onyinye, for alleged currency racketeering in Enugu.

They were accused of selling newly-minted N500,000 in N200 denominations to one Husseini Ibrahim, contrary to the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

Okoronkwo pleaded guilty to the charge, while Onyinye pleaded not guilty.

The court adjourned the matter to January 15, 2025, for the hearing of Onyinye’s bail application and the conviction and sentencing of Okoronkwo. Both defendants were remanded at the Enugu State Correctional facility.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time the EFCC has arraigned individuals for currency racketeering in Enugu.

In May 2024, the EFCC arraigned two individuals, Onwuka Chimezie Henry and Ekene Ibegbu, for allegedly operating a fake Bureau De Change and selling newly-minted naira notes.

The lone count 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, did sell a total sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000. 00) mints in Two Hundred Naira Notes (N200) denominations, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria to one Husseini Ibrahim and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act”.

The first defendant (Okoronkwo) pleaded guilty to the charge while Onyinye pleaded not guilty.

In view of their pleas, counsel to the EFCC and Chief Superintendent of the EFCC, CSE Rotimi Ajobiewe, prayed the court for a short date to review the facts of the case, regarding the first defendant. “In respect of the second defendant, we pray for a date for trial to enable the prosecution to prove its case”.