EFCC arraigns Viscount Bank MD over alleged diversion of N19m and $30,000 investment funds in Abuja
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Thursday arraigned Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei before the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, over alleged diversion of N19 million and $30,000 entrusted to her for investment purposes.
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Gozi-Anyaokei, Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank, appeared before Justice Y. Halilu on a two-count charge bordering on illegal conversion and obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly received N19 million from Ernest Terkula Jor in 2022 for investment purposes but dishonestly converted the funds for personal use.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that Gozi-Anyaokei converted an additional $30,000 entrusted to her by the same complainant under a similar investment arrangement.
The commission said the alleged offences contravene Sections 311 and 312 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, Abuja 1990.
Gozi-Anyaokei pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the plea, prosecution counsel S.N. Robert urged the court to fix a date for trial.
Justice Halilu granted bail to the defendant with two sureties who must possess landed property within Abuja. The court also ordered the surrender of her travel documents and restricted foreign travel without judicial approval.
The matter was adjourned till July 19, 2026, for commencement of trial.
In a related development, the EFCC also arraigned Ugochukwu Daniel Ifeanachor before Justice J. O. Abdulmalik over alleged fraud involving N20 million.
The commission alleged that Ifeanachor obtained the money from Ezekwuche Chinedu Paul under the pretence of supplying 55 all-in-one desktop computer systems in a deceptive transaction.
EFCC further accused the defendant of laundering the funds through a personal bank account.
Ifeanachor pleaded not guilty to the charges.
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Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until July 6, 2026, and ordered that the defendant be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
