In a significant development in the Nigerian legal landscape, the trial of Christopher Jackson Edeh, accused of involvement in a N2.7 billion fraud case at Fidelity Bank, is set to commence on May 30, 2024. This announcement was made by Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos.
Christopher Jackson Edeh faces nine-count charges brought forward by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 28, 2024. Among these charges are allegations of fraudulent false accounting and unauthorized access to a computer, as stipulated under Sections 337 and 387 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
One of the charges leveled against Edeh pertains to the purported alteration of customer account details of Dangote Cement Plc while he was employed at Fidelity Bank Plc, allegedly with the intent to defraud. Additionally, he is accused of facilitating the theft of N2,737,784,800.00 from Fidelity Bank Plc by illicitly accessing the bank’s Entrust portal.
The statement released by the EFCC further alleges that Edeh, with the intent to defraud, tampered with the bank account details of various entities, including the Kano State Government – Power Intervention Fund, NNPC Trading Limited, Stallion Vision Ltd, the Lagos State Government-Blue Line, State Contributory Pension Account, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ujukwu University.
During the proceedings, the EFCC, represented by counsel Z.B. Atiku, expressed readiness to present its case against the defendant. However, the defense countered with a bail application for Edeh, leading to an adjournment until Tuesday, March 19, 2024, for the hearing of the application.
In response to the bail application, defense counsel G.A. Daniel argued that the offense was bailable. Subsequently, Justice Abike-Fadipe granted bail to Edeh in the sum of N5 million, requiring two sureties in like sum, with one being a blood relation to the defendant.
Justice Abike-Fadipe outlined the conditions for bail, stipulating that the sureties must depose to an affidavit of means, be gainfully employed, and reside within the jurisdiction of the court. Additionally, they must provide evidence of tax payment for the last three years to the Lagos State.
During the plea, Edeh pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. The defense counsel reiterated the bailable nature of the offense and urged the court to grant bail to his client.
The case has been adjourned to May 30 and June 6, 2024, marking the commencement of trial proceedings against Christopher Jackson Edeh.
