Adebayo Ridwan
The economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Anthony Okpala for allegedly stealing the sum of $177,000 and N6,500,000.
The commission arraigned him alongside his company Mashuchun International Limited on a two-count charge of stealing, which is contrary to section 278 (1) and 285 (1) and 9(b) of the criminal laws of Lagos State 2011. The suspect, however, pleaded not guilty to the alleged offences.
According to the EFCC prosecutor, A.B.C Ozioko, alleged that Okpala dishonestly converted to his own use the money, belonging to Messrs Ibrahim Mamman Tsafe and Ibrahim Zango.
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The charges read: “Anthony Okpala and Mashuchun International Limited on about the 11th of August 2014 in Lagos within the Ikeja judicial division dishonestly converted to his own use the sum of $177,000, property of Messrs Ibrahim Mamman Tsafe and Ibrahim Zango, respectively
“Anthony Okpala and Mashuchun International Limited on about the 11th of August 2014 in Lagos within the Ikeja judicial division. dishonestly converted to his own use the sum of N6,500,000, property of Messrs Ibrahim Mamman Tsafe and Ibrahim Zango respectively”
Following the Okpala’s plea of not guilty, the prosecutor requested for a trial date and also prayed that the accused should be remanded in the facility of the correctional service.
However, the defence counsel, Kolapo Gbadamosi, informed the court that the suspect had applied for bail.
Justice Mojisola Dada told ruled that the bail application would be heard on the next adjourned date.
She ordered that “the defendant should be returned to any correctional facility service of his choice, pending the hearing of the bail application.”
The matter was adjourned to May 15, 2020.
