The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will today arraign the? immediate past 1st Vice president of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA)? and a presidential candidate of NBA 2012 general elections,? Barrister Blessing Ukiri, for allegedly embezzling N35 million paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria to a client.
EFCC alleged that Ukiri converted the sum of N35m judgement sum paid by the Central Bank of Nigeria to his client, one Samuel Onowighose, to his personal use.??
Consequently, the anti-graft agency will commence the trial of the accused person on three-count charge bordering on fraud, stealing and money laundering before a Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt , Rivers State .
In a press statement signed by Acting Head, Media & Publicity of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, EFCC alleged that Ukiri? used part of the money to acquire 150,000 units of First Bank of Nigeria Plc shares and thereby commited an offence punishable under section 14 (!) (a) Of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act.
Uwujaren stated that Ukiri was arrested on Friday, October 12, 2012, in his office on 12 Ohaeto Street D/Line, Port Harcourt , Rivers State .
‘’The arrest followed a court order issued on Thursday October 11, 2012, by Justice U. N. Agomoh of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt , Rivers State’’ .
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