On October 13, 2023, the Kaduna Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned one Michael Onimisi before Justice R.M Aikawa of the Federal High Court.
The charges against Onimisi are related to his alleged involvement in developing software for the purpose of defrauding First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Plc.
The accused, Michael Onimisi, faced six-count charges in connection to the development of software named “Bee-Leaf” and “Real-Eve,” which were allegedly used to defraud FCMB of a total sum of N17,785,010.75. The suspect pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to him during the court proceedings.
In response to his plea, the prosecution counsel, N. Salele, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant at a Correctional Center prior to the commencement of the trial.
On the other hand, the defense counsel, Rabiu Mohammed, informed the court of an application for bail on behalf of the defendant. The prosecution counsel objected to this request, seeking more time to review and respond to the bail application.
After considering the arguments presented by both legal representatives, Justice Aikawa scheduled two separate dates for further proceedings in the case. The first date, October 19, 2023, was set for the hearing of the bail application. The second date, December 6, 2023, was designated for the commencement of the trial. Additionally, the judge ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Center in Kaduna.
