The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday, October 30, 2014 arraigned one Lateef Shoroye before Justice Danlami Z Senchi of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on one count charge bordering on issuance of dud cheque.
The accused is alleged to have collected the sum of three million naira from one Basil Okonkwo for the purchase of a plot of land in Karu, Abuja. Shortly after the payment, the complainant discovered that the land has been sold to another person and so demanded for the refund of his money.
The accused issued a cheque of three million naira as refund but was returned unpaid due to insufficient funds.
The charge reads, “That you Chief Lateef A Shoroye sometime in September 2009 in Abuja within the Abuja Judicial Division of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in fulfilment of a legal obligation to one Basil Okwonkwo did issue a Fidelity Bank Cheque No. 00138074, dated 4th September, 2009 in the sum of N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) which you knew when presented within three months would be dishonoured on the ground of insufficient funds standing to your credit and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1(1)(b) of the Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act Cap D11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004 and punishable under section 1(1)(b)(i) of the same Act”
The accused pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.
In view of the plea, the prosecuting counsel Aisha Ibrahim asked the court to remand the accused in prison custody as he had previously jumped the administrative bail granted him by the EFCC.
The defence counsel, P.A. Ediane, made an oral application for bail asking the court to grant the accused bail and that he would not jump bail but be available to face his trial.
Justice Senchi granted bail to the accused in the sum of one million and two sureties in like sum. The accused must be of good behaviour and must be present in court at all times.
The case was adjourned to January 19, 2015 for commencement of trial.
