Categories: Nigeria News

Alleged N110m fraud: You have case to answer – Lagos Court tells Portia Emilia

Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, ordered a businesswoman, Portia Emilia, and her company, Savanah Crest Investment Limited, to enter their defences in an alleged N110m fraud preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The defendants were re-arraigned on March 16, 2023 on amended five-count charges bordering on conspiracy to steal, contrary to Section 411 and punishable under Section 287 (5) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015; obtaining money and property by false pretences, 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; and retaining stolen property, contrary to Section 328 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

One of the counts reads: “Portia Anthony 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 N40,000,000.00 (Forty Million Naira only)”.
Another count reads: “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 N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira) from one Wendy Daniel.”

Emilia, who also took the plea of the company, pleaded “not guilty” to all the charges.
In the course of the trial, prosecution counsel, F. Ofoma, called two witnesses through whom he tendered several documents.

The prosecution closed its case on March 16, 2023. However, rather than open its defence, defence counsel, J.J. Amodu, filed a no-case submission, arguing that his clients had nothing to answer in spite of evidence adduced by the EFCC.

Ruling on the no-case submission by the defendants on Wednesday, Justice Abike-Fadipe held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendants on all the counts, necessitating them to be docked for their own sides of the story.

Justice Abike-Fadipe ruled that “I am satisfied that the prosecution has established a prima facie case, which the defendants are called upon to answer. “The no-case submission is hereby overruled, and the defendants are called upon to enter their defence.”

The judge also adjourned the matter to January 18 and 25, 2024 and February 1, 2024.

Treasure Orokpo

A multi-talented individual with a passion for diverse fields, Treasure Orokpo is a trained journalist, skilled cook, and AI enthusiast. When she's not uncovering the latest stories, you can find her whipping up culinary creations in the kitchen and entertainment.

Recent Posts

Soaring rice prices threaten Christmas celebrations for Nigerian families

Rice, a staple for Christmas celebrations in Nigeria, has become a luxury this year. Soaring…

1 day ago

Panic as Stage collapses during Odumodublvck’s performance at Lagos concert

Panic erupted on Saturday at a concert in Lagos when the stage collapsed during Odumodublvck’s…

1 day ago

2025 Budget: FG allocates ₦6.36bn for renovation of Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters

The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated ₦6,364,181,224 billion for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of…

1 day ago

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today 22nd December 2024

The black market dollar to naira exchange rate for today, 22nd December 2024, can be…

1 day ago

NNPC debunks shutdown rumors, confirms fuel loading at Port Harcourt Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims that the 60,000 barrels per…

1 day ago

‘We have to find a way’ – Guardiola laments after defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City finds itself in unprecedented turmoil, with relegation-level form showing little sign of improvement.…

1 day ago