EFCC re-arraigns businesswoman over alleged N110m fraudINEC back from drawing board, faces governorship

Lagos State Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, on Thursday, re-arraigned one Portia Emilia before Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, over alleged N110m fraud.

The anti-graft agency made the disclosure via a statement on its website and official social media handles, which copies were obtained by our correspondent, on Thursday.

According to the anti-graft agency, Emilia was re-arraigned alongside her company, Savanah Crest Investment Limited, on an amended five counts bordering on conspiracy to steal, contrary to Section 411 and punishable under section 287 (5) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

She also allegedly obtained money and property by false pretence, contrary to Section 1(1)(2) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Fraud Offences Act 2006; Stealing, contrary to Section 280(1) (12)8(7), 285(1) and 278(1)b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

Emilia was again alleged to have retained stolen property, contrary to Section 328 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

One of the counts read, “Portia Emilia and Savanah Crest Investment Limited, sometime in 2018 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud, stole and dishonestly converted to your own the sum of N40 million”.

Another count read, “Portia Anthony Emilia and Savanah Crest Investment Limited, sometime in 2018 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of N20 million from one Wendy Daniel.”

The anti-graft agency added that Emilia, who also took the plea of the company, pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges.

Prosecuting counsel, F. Ofoma, informed the court that the prosecution would close its case, having called two witnesses, through whom several pieces of documentary evidence were tendered.

“The prosecution hereby applies to close its case,” he said.

Defence counsel, J.J. Amodu, prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him prepare for the case.

“We also pray this honourable court to, upon the re-arraignment of the defendant, allow her to continue to enjoy the bail earlier granted by the court,” he said.

The prayer of the defence counsel was granted and the case was adjourned till June 22, 2023.