The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three suspected fraudsters for obtaining the sum of N3.8 million under false pretence.

The Commission which said this in a statement stated that the suspects whose names are Helen Oyelowo, Manshop Christopher and Paul Okache were arraigned before Justice Adeyemi Ajayi on 14- count charge bordering on obtaining money undef false pretence on Tuesday.

The EFCC explained that the suspects were accused of obtaining money from Nwoye Emmanuel, Gbolade Adedrian, Joseph Kingo, Nwosu Chinyere, Degett Zaram and Kemi Oluwatoyin totaling totalling N3.8 million representing 50 per cent Processing Fee of COVID-19 grant for civil servants.  They are also alleged to have collected a total sum of N547,615 as 10 per cent Legal Fee of COVID-19 grant for civil servants.

Count 17 of the charge alleged that the 3rd defendant retained the control of the aggregate sum of N547,615 purportedly as 10% Legal Fee of COVID-19 grant for civil servants, proceeds of criminal conduct on Manshop Christopher an offense contrary to section 17(a) and punishable under section 17 (b) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004′  They suspects all pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.

Based on their pleas, defence counsel, Dominic Anyador and Agu Aondongu for the 1st defendant and Okache Frederick Obagwu and Efe G. Daniel for the 2nd and 3rd defendants applied for bail which was not objected to by the EFCC counsel H.M. Mohammed.

Justice Adeyemi Ajayi granted the defendants bail in the sum of N10 million each, with two sureties in like sum who must be civil servants on not less than grade level 13.  He remanded the defendants in a Correctional centre till bail is perfected.

The matter was adjourned till September 20 2022, for commencement of trial.