The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally arraigned Joanah Eyere Eyong and her firm, Joanah Eyere Consulting Limited, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of visa fraud totaling N16.7 million. The proceedings, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, centered on a four-count charge regarding the fraudulent conversion of funds obtained under the guise of facilitating travel documents for two clients.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly misappropriated N5.7 million from Ngozi Okwuchukwu between November 7 and 8, 2023. Furthermore, they are accused of converting N11 million belonging to Udogwu Ikechukwu between June 14 and July 29, 2024. These actions were brought before the court as violations of the Criminal Code Act, specifically under Section 383(1), with penalties prescribed under Section 390.
Upon the charges being read, both the individual defendant and the company entered a plea of not guilty. Following their plea, prosecution counsel F.B. Orilade requested that the court remand the defendants in correctional custody to ensure their presence for the duration of the trial.
Justice Osiagor, however, exercised his discretion to grant the defendants bail, setting the sum at N12 million each. To satisfy the bail conditions, the court mandated that each defendant provide one surety who must be a civil servant of at least Grade Level 15. Additionally, the surety is required to possess landed property within the court’s jurisdiction, with all credentials subject to verification by the court registrar.
Until these stringent bail conditions are fully met, the defendants are to remain in custody. The trial is scheduled to commence on March 17, 2027.
Source: NaijaProbe