US Embassy: 12 persons arraigned for attempted fraud

By Francis Famoroti

Twelve suspected fraudsters were on Wednesday arraigned before an Ikeja Senior Magistrate's Court, for conspiracy and attempt to defraud some persons of their money at the United States of American Embassy in Lagos.


The accused persons are Ignatius Ugwu (54), Orisco Stanley (32), Titi Thomas (29), Ugochukwu Edubiri (31), Fegnald Anyokhlor (31), Omokaro Israel (25), and Prince Oyemechi (31).

Others are Chinedu Okpara (30), Marcus Egede (58), Emma Ekpo (33), Chima Nnana (20) and Shina Akinola (31).

The accused, who were facing a two-count charge, were alleged to have on February 6, at Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by parading themselves as workers of the American embassy in Lagos.

The prosecution said the act of the accused was meant to defraud unsuspecting citizens of their money.

The offence is contrary to sections 249(d) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 17, Vol 11, Laws of Lagos State, 2004.

When the charge was read, the accused they pleaded 'not guilty.'

Police prosecutor, Inspector Bartholomew Nwaokoye, told the court that the suspects were arrested based on an intelligence report received from the State Security Service on the activities of some persons parading themselves as workers of the US embassy.

He added the police carried out a raid on the premises and arrested the suspects .

Lawyer to the accused, Mr. Osita Egonu, however, said the suspects were gainfully employed, arguing that they were at the embassy for lawful purposes.

He, however applied to the court to release them on bail on liberal terms.

The court adjourned the matter till February 27.