A former Managing Director of a bank, Gozi-Anyaokei, has been arraigned before Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, over alleged illegal conversion and obtaining money under false pretence.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, the defendant was charged on a two-count charge bordering on fraud and diversion of investment funds.
The EFCC alleged that Gozi-Anyaokei received ₦19 million from one Ernest Terkula Jor in 2022 for investment purposes while serving as the Managing Director of the bank.
The anti-graft agency accused her of diverting the money for personal use in violation of the Penal Code Act.
In the second charge, the commission alleged that the defendant also collected $30,000 from the same complainant for investment purposes but dishonestly converted the money to personal use.
According to the EFCC, the offences contravene Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990, and are punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.
The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before the court.
Following her plea, prosecution counsel, S.N. Robert, requested a date for commencement of trial.
Justice Halilu subsequently granted the defendant bail on the condition that she provide two sureties with landed property within Abuja.
The court also ordered her to surrender her international travel documents and barred her from travelling outside Nigeria without court approval.
The matter was adjourned until July 19, 2026, for commencement of trial.
