The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of Uyo Zonal Directorate has arraigned a lawyer, Alexander Uchenna Ozogwu before the Federal High Court in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly defrauding his victims 1.323 billion naira.
The EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Mr. Dele Oyewale revealed this in a statement on Thursday noting that Ozougwu was arraigned on six–count charges in violation of the provisions of Section 18(2) (d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
According to him, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Uyo Zonal Directorate, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, arraigned a legal practitioner Barrister Alexander Uchenna Ozougwu before Justice Sergius Onah of the Federal High Court sitting in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, for allegedly defrauding his victims to the tune of N1,323,850,000.00 (One Billion, Three Hundred and Twenty-Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) through a bogus foreign exchange investment scheme”.
“He was arraigned on six–count charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence in contravention of provisions of Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022”.
Count one of the charges against him reads, “That you Alexander Uchenna Ozogwu sometime in September 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did take possession of the total sum of Two Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira Only (N268,850,000) through a bank account with account name – STARLIGHT ATTORNEYS which you knew formed proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”.
Count two reads, “That you Alexander Uchenna 0zougwu sometime in July 2024 in Nigeria, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, did take possession of the total sum of Two Hundred and Thirteen Million Naira Only (N213,000,000.00) through a bank account with account name – STARLIGHT ATTORNEYS which you knew formed proceeds of an unlawful act to wit: obtaining money by false pretence and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the money laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act”.
Ozogwu pleaded not guilty to the charges and the prosecution counsel, Joshua O. Abolarin in response asked the court to remand the defendant at a Correctional Centre and set trial date. However, the defence counsel, C. M. Onuchukwu informed the court of a bail application filed on self- recognizance for the defendant with assurance that he shall make himself available for trial.
Meanwhile, Justice Onah after listening to both counsels granted bail in the sum of 500 million naira only with two sureties in like sum which must be civil servants of grade level 12 and above and must have landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court.
The court also ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport and two recent passport photographs with the court.
Moreso, Oyewale revealed that Ozougwu was arraigned following claims of four petitioners who alleged that he presented himself as a registered bureau de change operator with the Central Bank of Nigeria and through that earned their trust, he collected the passwords to their betting accounts with promise that he was going to help them fund their accounts, but diverted their funds instead.
According to him, “Investigation into the allegations revealed that the defendant was operating a ponzi scheme under the guise of exchanging dollars for his victims and channelling most of the funds to various betting platforms. A total of N1, 323, 850. 000. 00 was discovered to have been diverted from the accounts of the petitioners.”
The judge adjourned the case to March 31, 2025 for trial.
