EFCC Arraigns Favour Bello Over Counterfeit Travelers’ Cheques

One Favour Omeigba Bello was on Monday, June 20 arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Chuka Augustine Obiozor of the Federal High Court, Lagos on 3-count charge bordering on attempt to export counterfeit, possession of counterfeit and forgery.

The accused person,  was arrested by officials of the  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) on January 16, 2016 at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, during the outward clearance of passengers on Ethiopian Airline’s flight to Dubai and was later transferred to the EFCC for further investigation.

Favour was alleged to have in her possession as at the time of arrest Two Hundred and Ninety Eight pieces of counterfeit Traveler’s cheques of various foreign banks;  a copy of a  Nigerian passport number A06961064 belonging to Aluya Mary Jennifer;  one  Ghanaian passport number G0843377 belonging to Koffi Nicole; a Driver’s Licence bearing the name Okeke Charles; one National Identity card bearing the name Aluya Mary Jennifer, all concealed in three hard cover children drawing/pictures book.

When the charges were read to the accused, she pleaded not guilty.

In view of the plea of the accused, prosecution counsel, Attah Monday Ocholi applied for a trial date to enable the prosecution prove its case against the accused. He thereafter prayed the court to remand the accused in prison custody.

The defense counsel, Bolanle Kolawole  informed the court of their bail application dated June 13, 2016 and prayed the court to grant their application.

After listening to both counsel, Justice Chuka granted the accused bail in the sum of five million Naira with one surety in like sum.

The matter has been adjourned till September 15, 2016, while the accused person is to be remanded in Kirikiri Prison pending the perfection of bail conditions. [EFCC]