An Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Thursday advised two friends, Prince Eromonsele and Sylvester Odiana, charged with attempt to fraudulently transfer N6 million into their accounts to employ the services of a government lawyer.
The accused, Eromonsele, 21, and Odiana, 34, who reside at Sango-Otta area of Lagos are standing trial on three-count charge of conspiracy, forgery and fraud.
Magistrate Mrs A. T. Omoyele made the suggestion to the accused when they appeared before the court without a legal representative.
“If you don’t have money to get the services of a lawyer, employ the services of a government lawyer,” Omoyele said.
She adjourned the case until Feb. 28 for trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the duo were first arraigned on January 25 and they were granted bail in the sum of N250,000 each and with two sureties each in like sum.
NAN also reports that the bail condition required that the sureties must show proof of employment and have their addresses verified.
NAN observed that the accused had not fulfilled the bail condition, therefore were still in Ikoyi prison.
The Police Prosecutor, Cyriacus Osuji, had during arraignment told the court that the accused committed the alleged offences on January 23 at 9:00 a.m. at Skye Bank, Otta branch in Lagos.
He said that the duo forged the name and account number of a customer of the bank, Mr Yussuf Akeem, and attempted to transfer the sum of N6 million into two different accounts in other banks.
“The accused forged Akeem’s account details, requesting that N3 million be transferred from Akeem’s account at Skye Bank Plc into Odianas account in Zenith bank.
“The duo also requested that the remaining N3 million be transferred into an Access bank account owned by one of their friend, Justina Okhaifo.
“The intended fraudulent transaction was dictated before the cash could be transferred, the accused were, however, arrested,” Osuji said.
The offences contravened Sections 365 (1), 406 (1) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The accused denied committing the offences.
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