EFCC Takes Enugu Man to Court for N8.1m Fraud

Enugu Man Arraigned Over N8.1m Swindle

That you, Paulinus Ani, sometime between October 2015 and June 2018 at Enugu, Enugu State within the...”

Enugu Land Fraud: Paulinus Ani Faces EFCC Charges - Allegedly Posed as Govt Staff, Sold Already Occupied Plots

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken a significant step in combating financial crimes in Enugu State. Paulinus Ani was arraigned before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar at the Federal High Court in Independence Layout, Enugu State, for allegedly obtaining N8,130,000 through false pretense [User Question]. This move by the EFCC demonstrates their commitment to holding individuals accountable for financial malfeasance.

The EFCC's Enugu Zonal Directorate has been actively pursuing cases of financial fraud in the region. In a similar case, Ugwu Alexander Chekwube was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretense to the tune of N85,000,000. Additionally, Kingsley Chinonye Unije was arraigned for forgery, obtaining money by false pretense, and money laundering totaling N340,000,000. These cases highlight the EFCC's efforts to tackle financial crimes in Enugu State.

The EFCC's actions serve as a deterrent to potential offenders and reassure the public that financial crimes will not be tolerated. By taking swift action against individuals like Paulinus Ani, the EFCC demonstrates its dedication to upholding the law and protecting the financial interests of Nigerians.

The charge against Ani states, “That you, Paulinus Ani, sometime between October 2015 and June 2018 at Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable court, with intent to defraud, induced one Severus Ifeanyi Odoziobodo to deliver to you the sum of N8,130,000 under the pretense that you would sell to him seven plots of land which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.”

Paulinus Ani has pleaded not guilty to the charge of obtaining N8.1 million by false pretense, a case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Following his plea, EFCC counsel Nasir Umar requested a trial date and sought Ani's remand at the Enugu Correctional Facility.

The case, heard before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar at the Federal High Court in Enugu, has been adjourned until January 23, 2025. Ani's remand was ordered by the judge until he meets the bail conditions. The investigation began after Ifeanyi Odoziobodo filed a petition in January 2021, alleging that Ani had defrauded him of N8.1 million.

Defence counsel O.S. Imaji brought up a pending bail application, advocating for lenient bail terms due to the defendant's reliable surety. However, prosecutor Nasir Umar vehemently opposed the application, citing Enugu's surge in land scams. Umar emphasized the need for firm action against such crimes and urged the court to deny bail.

After weighing both sides, Justice Mohammed Garba Umar granted Paulinus Ani bail with stringent conditions. Ani must provide N10 million and two sureties of the same amount, who must be Enugu State residents. This decision reflects the court's balance between ensuring Ani's freedom and addressing concerns about financial crimes.

In Nigeria, bail is a constitutional right, but it's not absolute. The court considers factors like the severity of the crime and potential flight risks. In Ani's case, the court's conditions aim to mitigate these risks while allowing him to prepare his defense. The bail requirements demonstrate the judiciary's commitment to upholding justice and protecting society.

Bail Conditions in Nigeria

Capital Offences: Bail may be granted only under exceptional circumstances.

Non-Capital Offences: Bail is typically granted unless there's reasonable ground to believe the defendant will commit another offence or evade trial.

Financial Crimes: The court may impose stricter conditions, like substantial sureties, to prevent flight risks.

Paulinus Ani, the defendant in a high-profile land fraud case, has been remanded at the Enugu Correctional Facility until he meets his bail conditions. The trial, presided over by Justice Mohammed Garba Umar, has been adjourned until January 23, 2025.

The case began when Ifeanyi Odoziobodo filed a petition with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on January 1, 2021, alleging that Ani had defrauded him of N8,130,000. According to Odoziobodo, Ani posed as a staff member of the Ministry of Land and Urban Development in Enugu State and sold him plots of land in Emene and Independence Layout. However, it was later discovered that the plots had already been sold to other individuals who possessed valid Certificates of Occupancy.

Ani has been charged with obtaining money by false pretense, to the tune of N8,130,000. His bail was set at N10 million with two sureties, who must be residents of Enugu State. The EFCC's Enugu Zonal Directorate has been actively pursuing this case, demonstrating their commitment to combating financial crimes in the region.

After failed attempts to retrieve his N8.1 million, Odoziobodo sought the intervention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).