Lawyer Docked Over Alleged Attempt To Bribe EFCC Officials

Lawyer Docked Over Alleged Attempt To Bribe EFCC Officials

A lagos-based lawyer, Taiwo Oreagba, has been arraigned before an Ikeja High Court of Lagos State, for allegedly collected the sum of N4 million, to briber the officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Oreagba was arraigned before Justice Sherifat Solebo led-Special Offences Court, on two counts charge of corruption and obtaining the sum of N4 million, by false pretence, on November 12, 2020, 

EFCC alleged that the defendant, who is a counsel to a suspect, Kelechi Uka currently under investigation by the Commission, allegedly collected the sum of N4 million, from one Henry Umoh, wuth the pretence of influence the agency’s officers, to secure the release of her client( Uka).

The lawyer denied the allegations, when it was read her and pleaded not guilty.

Following her not place of guilty, the prosecutor, G.C. Akaogu, asked the court for a trial date and that the defendant be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Service’s Custodial Centre.

But counsel to the defendant, J.R. Kuforiji, told the court of an impending application for bail dated October 14,2020, which she said had been served on the prosecution.

After listening to both parties, Justice Solebo granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000,00ith one surely in like sum.

Justice Solebo, also ordered that the surety must show evidence of residence in Lagos. She therefore adjourned the till January 13 and 14, 2021 for commencement of trial.

Charges Against The Defendants read: “that you, Taiwo Oreagba, on or about the 2nd of March, 2020 in Lagos , within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court , whilst acting as counsel to one Kelechi Uka, asked for and received the sum of N4,000,000.00( Four Million Naira) through your business name account known as Bobcom Enterprises from one Henry George Umoh on the understanding that the money was meant to influence officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in order to secure the release of the said Kelechi Uka from custody.

“That you, Taiwo Oreagba, on or about the 2nd of March, 2020 in Lagos , within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court whilst acting as counsel to one Kelechi Uka, with intent to defraud , received the sum of N4, 000,000. 00( Four million Naira) through your business name account known as Bobcom Enterprises from one George Henry Umoh by falsely representing to him that the money was meant for officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigating the case against the said Kelechi Uka, which representation you knew to be false”.

editor

See author's posts