IKOYI, Lagos – In a stunning turn of events, the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Professor Uche Chigozie Edwin along with his companies, Visionary Integrated Consulting Limited, NEMAD Associates Limited, and Revamp Global Enterprise. The charges, which total a startling N1,473,367,046.04, are related to an alleged scam against maize growers.
The re-arraignment, which took place before Justice Dehinde Dipeolu of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos on February 15, 2024, involves 11-count charges that border on conspiracy, retention, and conversion of funds. Professor Edwin and his companies are accused of defrauding the Maize Growers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (MAGPAMAN).
The professor, initially arraigned on March 16, 2023, before Justice Nicholas Oweibo, had pleaded not guilty to the charges. But the case file was moved to Justice Dipeolu as Justice Oweibo was transferred out of the Lagos Division.
Among the charges, one states that Professor Edwin and his companies conspired to use the sum of N1,473,367,046.04, property of MAGPAMAN, which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activities, thereby violating the Money Laundering (Prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012.
Another count alleges that the professor retained the sum of N197,170,041.04 in an account belonging to Visionary Integrated Consulting Limited, knowing that it formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, constituting an offense under the same Act.
During the re-arraignment, defense counsel Emefo Etudo requested the court to allow the defendant to continue on the bail granted by Justice Oweibo. However, EFCC counsel C.C. Okezie urged the court to ensure the defendant’s attendance in court, considering his previous absences.
Emefo assured the court that the defendant’s sureties, including his biological father and a legal practitioner, were willing to ensure his presence. Justice Dipeolu adjourned the case to March 13, 2024, for trial, maintaining the previous bail conditions set by Justice Oweibo, which included a sum of N1 million and other stringent requirements.
