The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ani Ugochukwu Augustine before Justice Ngozi Orji of the Enugu State High Court over an alleged ₦1.3 million car fraud.
Augustine was docked on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, on a one-count charge of stealing, contrary to Sections 342 and 343 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Revised Edition (Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria), 2004, and punishable under Section 353 (f) and (i) of the same law.
According to the charge, Augustine fraudulently converted the sum of ₦1,300,000, belonging to one Mrs. Nsoke Veronica, to his personal use in 2021 under the pretext of helping her purchase a second-hand Toyota Sienna vehicle. He neither delivered the vehicle nor refunded the money.
When the charge was read, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Consequently, EFCC counsel, ACE II Michael Ikechukwu Ani, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand Augustine in a correctional facility.
Defence counsel, Ngozi Uzoma, attempted to secure bail through an oral application, but the prosecution opposed it, insisting that “the proper procedure” must be followed.
Justice Orji directed the defence to file a formal bail application and adjourned the case to October 2, 2025, for hearing.
Augustine was remanded in custody pending further proceedings.
In a separate development, operatives of the EFCC’s Uyo Zonal Directorate arrested 49 suspected internet fraudsters in a series of sting operations across Akwa Ibom State.
Thirty-one suspects were apprehended on Monday, September 22, 2025, at Ikpa Road, Ekpri Nsukara, Nwaniba, and Shelter Afrik Extension, while the remaining 18 were nabbed on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at Oron and Calabar-Itu Road.
The suspects, including undergraduates, traders, and artisans, were found with one car, 54 mobile phones, and nine laptops.
The EFCC said all the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
