A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of Mr. Chinenye Duru, a staff of Polaris Bank and the account officer to Mr. Victor Onukogu, in a correctional facility following his alleged involvement in a N16.6 billion fraud case.

Justice Inyang Ekwo issued the order after Duru pleaded not guilty to the 11-count charge brought against him by the office of the Inspector-General of Police.

The charge, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/603/2023, lists Polaris Bank Plc and Duru as the first and second defendants, with the Inspector-General of Police as the complainant.

During the hearing, the counsel for the Inspector-General, Abdulrasheed Sidi, informed the court that the matter was scheduled for arraignment. Duru’s lawyer, Chukwuemeka Kalu, argued that the prosecution was in contempt of a previous order from the Federal High Court and should not be heard until the issue is resolved.

Justice Ekwo instructed Kalu to present his objections after the plea had been taken, emphasizing that the current proceedings were solely for the charge against Duru. The lawyer representing Polaris Bank, Adedapo Adejumo, requested a plea of not guilty on behalf of his client.

After Duru pleaded not guilty to all 11 counts, Sidi requested a trial date. Kalu, however, raised concerns about the conduct of the prosecution and the enforcement of Duru’s rights during his detention. He mentioned that they had obtained a court order for Duru’s interim release on bail, which the Inspector-General had failed to comply with, leading to a contempt proceeding.

Justice Ekwo clarified that the current proceedings focused on Duru’s charge and plea, and if Kalu had any objections or issues related to the trial, he should follow the provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and submit a formal application.

The judge then stated that he would make two orders: one for the trial and another for Duru’s remand. However, he mentioned that if Kalu files a bail application, a date would be given to hear it.

The trial was adjourned until April 23, April 24, and April 25, with Duru remanded in a correctional center until further orders from the court.

The charges against Polaris Bank and Duru include fraudulent withdrawals from Victor Onukogu’s bank accounts, totaling N16 billion and N500 million, as well as other fraudulent transactions related to Hezekiah University’s accounts.

Victor Onukogu, also known as Daddy Hezekiah, is the spiritual head of Living Christ Mission Church in Onitsha, Anambra State.