The Edo State Police Command has arraigned a 32-year-old man, Doyin Abiodun, before an Egor Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing N48 million from a commercial bank.
Abiodun was arraigned on a seven-count charge of forgery and stealing.
He was alleged to have committed the offence in April 2013 at the Uselu branch of EcoBank Nigeria Plc.
The accused allegedly conspired with others and forged an identity card belonging to the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) with the name “Oboite Jonathan Alele”.
The fake identity card was said to have been used to defraud and facilitate a credit loan of N32 million and N7 million from the bank.
A letterhead of the Edo Sports Council, Benin, was alleged to have been forged with the intent to defraud and facilitate a loan facility from the bank.
The N7 million and N9 million, being the property of the bank, was said to have been stolen by the accused.
The offences are punishable under sections 467 and 390 (5) (6) of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol. II, Laws of the defunct Bendel State of Nigeria 1976, as applicable to Edo State.
Abiodun pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate William Aziegbemhin granted him bail for N3 million and a surety, who must be an employee of a recognised organisation, in like sum.
He adjourned the matter till October 5 for further hearing.