The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Kaduna zonal command, has arraigned Friday Essien before Justice Darius Khobo of the State High Court sitting in Kaduna, Kaduna State on a two-count charge bordering on cheating and obtaining by false pretenses.
Essien is accused of issuing fake cheques raised in the name of Adachi Poultry Feeds in payment for 600 bags of rice from the complainant.

Investigations carried out by the EFCC revealed that Adachi Poultry Feeds belongs to one Uloko Sunday Oghereamh, who had reported to the Galadimawa Police Station on August 9th, 2022, that his car was burgled by thieves and his company cheques and laptop were stolen.
The complainant had reported the theft to the police after he discovered that his cheques were being used to purchase rice without his authorization.

Essien allegedly used the stolen cheques to defraud the complainant of N15.9 million. The defendant was subsequently arrested by operatives of the EFCC, and charged to court.

The EFCC prosecutor told the court that the offense committed by the defendant is punishable under Section 308 of the Penal Code Laws of Kaduna State, 2021.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the matter was adjourned to May 9th, 2023 for trial.

Justice Khobo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be residents within the jurisdiction of the court, and must provide evidence of tax payment for the last three years.

The EFCC has continued to intensify its efforts to curb economic and financial crimes across the country.
The commission has urged members of the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.