BEVERLY HILLS, June 11, (THEWILL) – Investigators have uncovered another N3.96 billion naira currency fraud at the Ibadan branch of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The revelation was made Thursday by counsel to Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Rotimi Jacobs while opposing the bail application of some suspects in the ongoing trial of a similar Briquetting fraud at the bank estimated to be at N8 billion.
The suspects applied for bail at their first arraignment, which was adjourned till last Monday.
Hearing of the application however failed to commence and the trial judge again adjourned till Thursday.
At the resumption of hearing, Mr. Jacobs told the court that apart from current charges against the suspect, another set of boxes allegedly destroyed by the accused persons have been discovered.
The prosecuting counsel said the boxes were yet to be counted as the suspects had poured water and acid on them.
He explained that the boxes contained at least N3.96 billion.
Mr. Jacobs said the boxes had been submitted for forensic test and necessary action would be taken after investigation.
The prosecuting counsel explained that the evidence against the suspects were overwhelming which could prompt them to abscond if given bail.
Arguing on their applications, Defence Counsel appealed to court to grant the accused bail to enable them access to materials to prove their facts.
The trial Judge, Justice Adeyinka Faaj adjourned the case till Friday for ruling on the bail applications.
Meanwhile, Justice Faaj has ordered Nigerian Prisons personnel to take one of the suspects to hospital for medical evaluation.
He gave the order when the suspect coughed repeatedly during the hearing.
Justice Faaj ordered that the medical report be submitted to his court next Friday.
