The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a former managing director of the defunct Bank PHB Plc (now Keystone Bank Limited), Francis Atuche, and two others before the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony and forgery.
Atuche and the two others, Nnosiri Joachim (also known as Ifeanyi) and Uguru Onyike were arraigned before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe.
When the charge was read to the defendants, they all pleaded not guilty.
Prosecution counsel, Fanen Anum, told the court that the matter is starting de novo and therefore asked the court for a trial date.
Counsel to the first defendant, Anthony Ejere, however, asked the court to allow his client to enjoy the earlier bail granted him by the court, despite that he was still a convict in another matter.
Also, counsel to the second and third defendants, Clement Onwuenwunor (SAN) asked the court to allow his clients to enjoy the earlier bail granted them by the court.
In her short ruling, Justice Fadipe upheld the request of their counsels that they be allowed to continue on the bail granted them by Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo (rtd).
The court adjourned the case till May 6, 2025, for trial.
