By Mohammed Bello Doka
In a continuing legal saga, the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Professor Uche Chigozie Edwin and associated companies before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos. The charges allege a staggering fraud of N1.4 billion, with the defendants accused of defrauding maize farmers.
Professor Edwin, along with Visionary Integrated Consulting Limited, NEMAD Associates Limited, and Revamp Global Enterprise, faced an 11-count charge involving conspiracy, retention, and conversion of funds, totaling N1,473,367,046.04. This sum, prosecutors claim, belonged to the Maize Growers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MAGPAMAN).
Originally arraigned in March 2023 before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, the case faced a setback with the judge's transfer out of the Lagos Division, leading to the reassignment of the trial.
Among the charges, one count alleges that the defendants conspired to use the substantial sum, which "reasonably ought to have been known" as proceeds of unlawful activities, constituting fraud.
Despite previous not guilty pleas, the defense counsel, Emefo Etudo, requested the continuation of bail granted by Justice Oweibo, highlighting the defendant's commitment to attend court proceedings. The prosecution, represented by counsel C.C. Okezie, emphasized the importance of ensuring the defendant's presence, citing past absences.
In response, Emefo assured the court of additional sureties and pledged to guarantee the defendant's appearance. Justice Dipeolu adjourned the trial to March 13, 2024, maintaining the earlier bail conditions set by Justice Oweibo, which included a bail sum of N1 million and two sureties possessing landed property within the court's jurisdiction, among other requirements.
As the legal process unfolds, the maize farming community awaits justice, hoping for resolution in a case that has significant implications for agricultural stakeholders and financial integrity.
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