EFCC arraigns fake BDC operator for alleged N78.2m fraud in Onitsha

Onitsha, Nigeria — May 4, 2026

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Okeke Ejike Callistus, a fake Bureau De Change operator, before Justice D. A. Onyefulu of the Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha.

The defendant was docked on a 10-count charge bordering on forgery and stealing involving the sum of N78,295,000.

According to the charges, Callistus, who allegedly operated under the name Nwachimereze Amen Resources, fraudulently converted funds belonging to a petitioner, Ezeugwu Leonard Chinedu, meant for transfer to a business partner in China.

The prosecution stated that part of the funds was remitted, while fake telex documents purportedly from a foreign bank were issued for the outstanding balance, which were later discovered to be forged.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

Following his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Enitan Ajobiewe, prayed the court for a trial date and urged that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility, citing concerns that he might jump bail.

Defence counsel, Hypolite Ohaneche, however, moved a bail application and urged the court to grant his client bail.

Ruling on the application, Justice Onyefulu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties, one of whom must provide a tax clearance certificate. The sureties are also required to be related to the defendant, reside within the court’s jurisdiction, and possess a valid National Identification Number.

Investigations revealed that the defendant admitted receiving the funds but confessed to diverting part of the money for personal use.