EFCC arraigns man for refusing to accept naira as legal tender

The Lagos Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Precious Chimaobi Uzondu on a two-count charge bordering on alleged refusal to accept naira as a legal tender before the Federal High Court sitting in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State.

One of the counts read: “That you, Precious  Chimaobi Uzondu, on the 10th of December 2024, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, refused to accept Naira (Nigeria’s legal tender) by accepting the sum of $5700 as a means of payment for a purchase of a Carter diamond bracelet with serial number (12345678) and you thereby lcommitted an offence contrary to Section 20 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007.

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read to him.

Following his pleas, the prosecution counsel, Hannatu U. KofarNaisa, prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant  to be remanded in a correctional centre.

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The defence counsel, Jennifer Achinuagole, informed the court of a pending bail application and prayed the court to adopt the same as her oral application.

Responding, KofarNaisa told the court about a counter-affidavit to the application and a written address.

She prayed the court to accept the same and discountenance the application by the defendant.

After listening to both parties, the presiding judge, Justice A.O. Owoeye, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum.

Justice Owoeye said the sureties must own  landed properties in Lagos, which must be verified by the court, and also swear to an affidavit of means.

The judge also ordered the remand of the defendant in the Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned till April 8, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

The Star