Justice Fatun Riman of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Thursday, February 11, 2021 granted N20 million bail to one Umoh Uko Archibong, said to be a fake contractor.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission dragged Archibong to the court for allegedly obtaining N39 million by false pretence.
Statement by Wilson Uwujaren, Head, Media and Publicity of EFCC on Thursday, said the defendant was arraigned by the Uyo Zonal Office of the commission on Wednesday on a four-count charge bordering on forgery and obtaining by false pretence. The suspect pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Consequently, S. R. Akinrinlade, counsel to the EFCC asked the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
However, the defence counsel, Ifiok Charles, who held the brief of Akebong Essien, informed the court about the pending bail application and prayed the court to grant the defendant bail in liberal terms. Akinrinlade opposed the bail application.
But after listening to the arguments of the counsels, Justice Riman adjourned the matter to Thursday (today) for ruling.
Justice Riman, while conveying his ruling today, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20 million and one surety in like sum. The surety must be a civil servant of Grade Level 10. The matter was adjourned till March 3, 2021 for trial.
The defendant allegedly collected a cumulative sum of N39 million from some persons under the guise of investing in a contract to supply laterite sand to Hensek Integrated Service Limited, a construction company through his company, Umotech Global Resources, but diverted the funds.