The Defendant, Abubakar Ishaq, When He Was Arrested
EFCC Arraigns Man Arrested With Over 2,886 ATM Cards
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today, arraigned a man, Abubakar ISHAQ, who was arrested in August 2020, for being unlawful possession of 2886 Automated Teller Machine Cards (ATM Cards), before a Lagos Federal High Court. 
The was arrested while attempting to smuggle the said ATM cards to Dubai, the capital of United Arab Emirates (UAE).
However, the EFCC upon conclusion of Investigation, slammed the defendant with 11 counts Charge of unlawful posession of 10 ATM cards.
Arraigning the defendant today, EFCC’s prosecutor, Mr. Sulaiman I. Sulaiman, told the court that the defendant, was arrested on August 22, 2020, with 10 ATM cards issued by different banks to different persons, which he intends trafficking to other the cardholders in Dubai.
Sulaiman told the court that the offences commited by the defendant, are contrary to and punishable 34 and 33(4) of Cybercrimes (Prohibition and Prevention ETC) Act 2015.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to him.
Following the defendant’s plea of not guilty, the prosecutor, Mr. Sulaiman asked for trial date, while also asked the court to remand him in the custody of Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) till the determination of the charges.
Responding to the prosecutor’s application, defendant’s counsel, Mr. George Ochima, informed the court of his client’s pending bail appllication, and said that same have been served on the prosecutor.
Justice Peter Odo Lifu, after taken arguments from parties, and citing plethoras of authorites, held that the offences which the defendant was charged were bailable ones.
Consequently, Justice Lifu admitted bail to the defendant in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.
Justice Lifu also ordered that one of the sureties must be a landed property owner within the Court’s jurisdisction, and the other must be a Grade Level 14 Officer in any Government establishment.
The judge also ordered that the sureties must show to court evidence of tax payment, means of livelihood. While the defendant must deposit his traveling documents with court’s Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR).
Defendant’s trial has been fixed for February 18, 2022.
