The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a lawyer, Benjamin Nwobodo before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo at the Federal High Court in Enugu State.
He faces five counts of forgery and obtaining N12 million by false pretence.
The charges involve allegations that Nwobodo defrauded Wilson Igwe by falsely claiming to sell him three plots of land in Emene, Enugu State, for N9 million in January 2014, and later, a single plot for N3 million in December 2014.
Nwobodo pleaded not guilty to the charges. After the plea, the EFCC requested a trial date and for Nwobodo to be remanded in custody.
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However, the defendant representing himself, sought bail which the court granted under specific conditions.
Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo ruled that the defendant must provide two sureties with similar financial commitments, one being a property owner in Enugu and the other a blood relation with three years of tax clearance.
The judge said both sureties must submit affidavits of means, and the commission will verify their details within a week. Additionally, Nwobodo must surrender his international passport to the court.
The court has allowed Nwobodo to return home, pending his meeting of the bail conditions within 10 days, or he will face arrest.
The case is scheduled for trial on May 13 -14, 2025.
