Entertainment executive pleads not guilty as Enugu High Court hears case over alleged issuance of dud cheques

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Chief Executive Officer of Ski Hi-Entertainment, Ifeanyichukwu Ogbu, before the Enugu State High Court over allegations of issuing dud cheques worth ₦16.847 million in an alleged fraud case.

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The EFCC arraigns Ski Hi CEO case was heard before Justice Vincent Ezeugwu of the Enugu State High Court sitting in Independence Layout, where Ogbu was docked on a three-count charge bordering on the alleged issuance of dishonoured cheques.

According to a statement released by the anti-graft agency on Monday, the charges stem from allegations that Ogbu issued cheques that were returned unpaid because of insufficient funds.

One of the charges reads: “That you, Ifeanyichukwu Ogbu, trading under name and style of Ski Hi-Entertainment, on or about the 9th day of August, 2024 in Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, issued a Zenith Bank Plc cheque… in the sum of Five Million, Five Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira (₦5,530,000.00) which upon presentation for payment within three months of issuance was dishonoured on the ground of insufficient funds in the account on which the cheque was drawn.”

Ogbu pleaded not guilty to all three charges.

Following the plea, Assistant Commander of the EFCC Michael Ikechukwu Ani, who represented the prosecution, asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Counsel to the defendant, Chikelu Anya, made an oral application for bail. However, Justice Ezeugwu reminded the defence that the court is one of record and directed that a formal bail application be heard.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until July 16, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.

Pending the hearing, the court released Ogbu to his counsel, who was ordered to produce him on the next adjourned date.

According to the EFCC, the case originated from a petition submitted by Oby Onwuakor, the Sales and Front Office Manager of Ski Hi-Entertainment, on behalf of the hotel’s management.

The commission alleged that Ogbu booked accommodation for members of three Nigeria Premier Football League clubs, with the total hotel bill amounting to ₦17,424,600 after their stay.

Investigators alleged that the defendant paid ₦1 million upfront and issued three cheques to settle the outstanding balance. The EFCC said the cheques were later dishonoured upon presentation because there were insufficient funds in the account.

The case forms part of the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to prosecute financial crimes, including offences involving alleged cheque fraud and other commercial transactions.

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Under Nigerian law, the issuance of a cheque that is dishonoured due to insufficient funds may attract criminal liability where fraudulent intent is established by the court.