The trial of Christopher Jackson Edeh, implicated in a N2.7 billion Fidelity Bank fraud case, is set to commence on May 30, 2024, following a ruling by Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. Edeh, facing nine-count charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 28, 2024, including fraudulent false accounting and unauthorized access to a computer, under Sections 337 and 387 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, is at the center of a complex legal battle.
The charges against Edeh stem from allegations of altering customer account details of Dangote Cement Plc while employed at Fidelity Bank Plc, with the intent to defraud. Additionally, he is accused of facilitating the theft of N2,737,784,800.00 from Fidelity Bank Plc by gaining unauthorized access to the bank’s Entrust portal. Moreover, Edeh is alleged to have tampered with the bank account details of various entities, including the Kano State Government – Power Intervention Fund, NNPC Trading Limited, Stallion Vision Ltd, the Lagos State Government-Blue Line, State Contributory Pension Account, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ujukwu University.
During a recent court session, the EFCC, represented by counsel Z.B. Atiku, expressed readiness to prove its case against the defendant. However, the defense, led by counsel G.A. Daniel, presented a bail application for Edeh, resulting in an adjournment until Tuesday, March 19, 2024, for the hearing of the application.
In the subsequent hearing, defense counsel G.A. Daniel moved the bail application, contending that the offense was bailable. Responding to the application, Justice Abike-Fadipe granted bail to Edeh in the sum of N5 million, requiring two sureties in like sum, with one being a blood relation to the defendant. The sureties are mandated to depose to an affidavit of means, demonstrate gainful employment and residency within the jurisdiction of the court, and provide evidence of tax payment for the last three years to the Lagos State.
Furthermore, during his plea, Edeh pleaded “not guilty” to all charges, with his defense counsel underscoring the bailability of the offense and urging the court to grant bail to his client. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case has been adjourned to May 30 and June 6, 2024, for the commencement of trial, marking the next phase in the pursuit of justice against Christopher Jackson Edeh.
The trial has garnered significant attention, reflecting the gravity of the allegations and the importance of upholding integrity within the banking sector. With Edeh maintaining his innocence and the EFCC determined to prosecute, the legal battle is poised to unfold in the coming months, shedding light on the intricacies of financial crimes and the pursuit of accountability in Nigeria’s judicial system.
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