A manager with Ecobank Plc,Irene Okeoha, has been arraigned before Justice S. C. Amadi of the State High Court, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a one-count charge bordering on alleged stealing of N8 million.

Okeoha, who is the Customer Service Manager of Ecobank Plc, Hotel Presidential branch, was arraigned before the court last Thursdayfor allegedly defrauded the bank of the money.

The one count charge against the manager reads: “that you, Mrs. Irene Okeoha on or about 17th February, 2016 at Hotel Presidential Port Harcourt, within the Port Harcourt Division of this Honorable Court did fraudulently steal the sum of Eight Million Naira (N8, 000, 000. 00) only, property of Ecobank Plc and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code CAP 37 Vol. 11 Laws of Rivers State of Nigeria 1999.”

The manager however pleaded not guilty when the charge was read o her.

In view of her plea, the prosecution counsel, Ben Ubi, urged the court to adjourn for the commencement of trial and to remand the manager in prison custody.

However, the manager’s counsel, B. Igeongei, urged the court to grant his client bail as the accused was already on administrative bail by the EFCC.

Justice Amadi granted Okeoha bail in the sum of N20 million and one surety in the like sum.

The surety, according to the presiding judge must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court, should possess a landed property to be verified by the prosecution.

The Surety the judge also ordered is to depose to an affidavit of means.

Justice Amadi adjourned the case to May 25, 2016 for trial and ordered that the defendant to be remanded in prison custody pending the perfection of her bail.http://thestreetreporters.com/?p=5545