ICPC Arraigns NSCDC Officer Over Alleged Fraud 

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) on Tuesday arraigned Margret Onoja , a Deputy Superintendent with the Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), before an FCT High Court for alleged fraud.

The anti-graft agency alleged that Onoja lied to officers of the ICPC on the number of bank accounts she was operating.

The ICPC said Onoja lied about her accounts while filling her suspect data form.

 The prosecutor, Mr Paul Bassi, told the court that the accused actions violated Section 25 (1) (a) of the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The accused was alleged to have concealed the ownership and operation of a Zenith Bank Account with number 6216501714 in her company’s name, Shekina Glory Cooperation Society Ltd.

According to the prosecutor, the accused was a sole signatory to the Zenith Bank account with a N75 million balance.

Bassi told the court that the accused also concealed the existence of a First Bank account with the balance of N40 million.

He said Onoja also operates a Fortis Micro Finance Bank account.

The offence, according to the ICPC, is contrary to Section 25 (1) and punishable under Section 25 (1b) of the corrupt practices and other related offences commission act.

If convicted, Onoja could be imprisoned for two years or with an option to pay a fine of N100,000, or both.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

After arraignment, Onoja’s counsel, Enemle Ejoke, urged the court to admit his client to bail.

Ejoke assured the court that the accused would not jump bail, if granted.

Bassi, however, opposed the bail application.

Justice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, in his ruling, however, admitted the accused to a bail of N500,000 and a surety in like sum.

Baba-Yusuf said that the surety must be resident within the FCT and must produce proof of ownership of a landed property.

The judge also gave an order for the accused to be remanded in Suleja prison, if she failed to meet the bail conditions.

He adjourned hearing in the case to Nov. 11.