EFCC Arraigns Man for Alleged ₦1.3 Million Stealing in Enugu

The Charge

According to the EFCC, the defendant is accused of fraudulently converting to his personal use funds entrusted to him
by one Mrs. Nsoke Veronica. The official charge reads:

“That you, Ani Ugochukwu Augustine sometime in 2021, in Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable
court, did commit a felony to wit: stealing by fraudulently converting to your personal use, the sum of ₦1,300,000.00
being property of Mrs. Nsoke Veronica and you thereby committed an offence.”

The offence is said to contravene Sections 342 and 343 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Revised Edition
(Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004), and is punishable under Section 353 (f) and (i) of the same law.

Court Proceedings

When the charge was read in open court, the defendant pleaded “not guilty.” Following his plea,
Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE II Michael Ikechukwu Ani, representing the prosecution,
requested that the court set a trial date and order the defendant to be remanded in a correctional facility
pending trial.

The defence counsel, Mrs. Ngozi Uzoma, attempted to secure bail for her client through an oral
application. However, the prosecution opposed this request, emphasizing that proper bail procedure requires a
formal application on record. Justice Orji upheld the objection, directing the defence to file a formal written
bail application.

The court adjourned the matter to October 2, 2025 for the hearing of the bail application and
ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Enugu Correctional Facility.

Background of the Case

The EFCC initiated the case following a petition submitted by Mrs. Nsoke Veronica. In her petition, she alleged that
the defendant had promised to help her purchase a fairly used Toyota Sienna vehicle. According to her account, she
released the sum of ₦1.3 million to Mr. Augustine with the expectation that the car would be delivered within an
agreed timeframe. However, neither the vehicle was supplied nor the money refunded.

Upon her complaint, EFCC investigators reviewed the evidence and concluded that there was sufficient ground to bring
formal charges before the High Court.

The EFCC’s Mandate in Nigeria

Established in 2003, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is Nigeria’s foremost anti-corruption agency.
Its responsibilities include investigating and prosecuting cases of economic and financial crimes such as advance
fee fraud, cybercrime, contract scams, money laundering, and other offences defined by Nigerian law.

The Enugu Zonal Directorate has been particularly active in recent years, handling cases of internet fraud,
employment scams, and real estate fraud that affect individuals across the South-East region. The arraignment of
Mr. Augustine adds to the Commission’s list of ongoing prosecutions in Enugu State.

Legal Context: Stealing under Enugu State Law

Under Nigerian criminal law, “stealing” refers to the unlawful taking of another person’s property with the intent
to permanently deprive them of it. Sections 342 and 343 of the Criminal Code Law of Enugu State outline the offence,
while Section 353 prescribes penalties ranging from fines to custodial sentences, depending on the circumstances.

In the present case, the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that Mr. Augustine deliberately converted
the petitioner’s money for personal use without intention to return it or supply the agreed vehicle.

Bail Application and Judicial Process

The Nigerian Constitution guarantees the right to bail, except in certain capital offences. However, the process
requires proper filing and consideration by the presiding judge. Factors such as the nature of the offence,
likelihood of the defendant absconding, and strength of the evidence are taken into account.

In this case, the defence counsel is expected to submit a formal bail application before the next adjourned date
of October 2, 2025. The court will then review the application alongside any objections raised by the prosecution.

Societal Impact of Fraud and Car Purchase Scams

Cases like this underscore the risks faced by ordinary Nigerians in everyday transactions. Vehicle purchase scams
are especially prevalent, with victims lured by promises of cheaper or quicker access to cars. Many are defrauded
when they pay deposits for vehicles that are never delivered. The impact goes beyond financial loss; victims often
suffer emotional trauma, strained family finances, and a loss of trust in legitimate dealers.

Anti-fraud experts continue to advise the public to use verified automobile dealers, request receipts, and avoid
cash payments without formal contracts. Consumer awareness remains a key tool in reducing such cases.

Broader EFCC Enforcement in Enugu and Beyond

The EFCC’s presence in Enugu is part of its nationwide effort to ensure accountability and reduce financial crimes.
Similar prosecutions have been recorded in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano. Convictions in past cases have
ranged from restitution orders to prison terms, depending on the severity of the offence.

Analysts argue that prosecutions like this not only seek justice for individual complainants but also serve as a
deterrent to others considering fraudulent activities.