Modupe Gbadeyanka
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A motion for interim forfeiture of $2.8 million belonging to Union Bank of Nigeria Plc has been filed before a Federal High Court sitting in Enugu State by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Also filed is an affidavit of urgency for the matter to be heard on December 27, 2018, before a vacation judge sitting in Port Harcourt.
Recall that the commission had on Thursday, December 20, 2018, intercepted the said money based on intelligence report from two persons: Ighoh Augustine and Ezekwe Emmanuel suspected to be money launderers, at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
The suspects had purportedly confessed during interrogation that they have been in the business of moving cash for “some notable banks”, for over six years and were in the process of doing same for Union Bank Plc, located at New Market, Onitsha, Anambra State, before their arrest.
They allegedly worked for a company, Bankers Warehouse.
At the time of filing this report, the alleged owner of the money (Union bank) had not made any physical presence in any of the commission’s offices, including the Enugu office, to establish their claim.
Efforts are being made to secure warrant for the detention of the suspects pending when they will be charged to court. The warrant is consequent upon the refusal of the bank or any of the relatives to come for the release of the suspects.
