The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday December 4, 2014 arraigned the duo of Sunday Kogi and James Gideon before Justice A. Kafarati of the Federal High Court Maitama, Abuja on a three count charge bordering on currency counterfeiting.
The accused persons are alleged to be members of a syndicate which specializes in counterfeiting foreign currencies and duping unsuspecting members of the public.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them.
Count one of the charge reads: “That you Sunday Kogi and James Gideon on or about the 19th day of May, 2014 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this honourable court conspired to be in possession of one hundred and ninety eight (198) pieces of 100 counterfeit dollar notes amounting to the sum of Nineteen thousand, Eight Hundred Dollars and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 6(1)(b) of the Counterfeit Currency, Special Provisions Act, CAP C35 LFN 2004 and punishable under section 5(1) of the same Act.”
Based on the plea of the accused persons, counsel to EFCC, Samuel A. Ugwuegbulam asked the court to fix a date for hearing.
However, counsel to the first accused, Mike Enahoro Ebah told the court that his client had a ruptured appendix and sued to be allowed to move the bail application orally, a request that was opposed by the EFCC counsel.
Justice Kafarati ordered the defence counsel to file a formal application for bail and adjourned the case to January 29, 2015 for hearing. He also directed that the accused persons be remanded in EFCC custody pending the determination of the bail application.
