Court rejects no-case submission of woman charged with N110m fraud

An Ikeja Special Offences Court on Wednesday rejected the no-case submission of a woman, Portia Emilia, charged with N110 million fraud.

Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe, in her ruling, held that the prosecution had established prima facie against the defendant on the amended five-count charge bordering on stealing and fraud.

“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,” Abike-Fadipe said.

She adjourned until Jan. 18 2024 for the defendant to open her defence.

Emilia was arraigned on Aug.16, 2022 alongside her company, Savanah Crest Investment Ltd, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC).

The defendant had pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against her.

The EFCC counsel, Mr Franklin Ofoma, alleged the defendant stole the money from one Mrs Wendy Daniel and converted it to her personal use.

The prosecution had called two witnesses, tendered several documents and closed its case on March 16.

Defence had filed a no-case submission, arguing that with the evidence adduced by the EFCC, his client had no case to answer.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offences contravened the Criminal Laws of Lagos State (2015) and the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Fraud Offences Act 2006.