The former banker was dragged before the court alongside a limited liability company, Tasmara Integrated Services Limited, by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Ikoyi, Lagos.
Others are; 265/229254; 246/340436; 265/231542; 265/231625; 220/885852, 209/839097; 214/8682312; 220/886856; 220/886871; 220/886875; 246/340330; 246/344649; 251/292171; 251/292201; 265/231490; 220/886879; 220/886839; 220/886802; 251/292261; 265/231474 and 220/886811.
PSFU had asked the court to direct the bank to compel the account officers of the said 35 accounts being investigated for an interview with the Commissioner of Police in-charge of PSFU. And to also furnish the Unit with the Certified True Copy (CTC) of some documents on the said 35 accounts.
These documents include: Statement of Account from January 1, 2018 till date; names and addresses of signatories to the accounts; photocopies on the Mandate Cards; Bank Verification Number linked to the accounts and Certificate of Computer printout in compliance with Section 84 of the Evidence Act.
CSP Jackson had told the orders sought for were necessary, as it will be allowed the police to carry on with the investigation of certain money totalling $667, 000 USD, fraudulently obtained by false pretence from the bank’s customers.
He also told the court that the order sought for will also prevent the bank from lifting any restrictions placed or will be placed on the said 35 accounts.
PSFU in an affidavit attached with the motion exparte and deposed by one of its investigators Shaibu Friday, who stated that he was directed by the Commissioner of Police to investigate a case of Obtaining the sum of $667,000 USD and money laundry based a petition dated March 26, 2020.
Adding that the petition was written by one Segun Fadahunsi and Lanre Kasim both General Manager and Senior Manager of the bank respectively, against the former banker, Albert Austin Ugochukwu, of obtaining the sum of $667, 000 USD, using a company known as Tasmara Integrated Services Limited to open about 35 different accounts number which were use by him to launder money.
PSFU also stated that the funds the is investigating being proceeds of fraud, stand the risk of being dissipated by the suspect unless the Court restrains from posting debit or allowing withdrawals from the said accounts under investigation pending the Conclusion of Police investigation. Adding that it will be in the interest of justice to grant this application.
At the resumed hearing of the matter today, Mr. Ebun Adegboruwa (SAN), lawyer to the former banker, told the court that he had served all parties in the suit with his client’s motion to discharge the exparte order and an application to dismiss the applicant’s (Commissioner of Police) motion on notice against the respondent.