EFCC Arraigns Fake BDC Operator Over ₦78.2m Fraud in Onitsha

​The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought Okeke Ejike Callistus before Justice D. A. Onyefulu of the Anambra State High Court in Onitsha. Callistus, who allegedly operated as a fraudulent Bureau De Change (BDC) agent, faces a ten-count charge involving forgery and the theft of ₦78,295,000.

​According to the prosecution, Callistus conducted these illicit activities under the business name Nwachimereze Amen Resources. The charges focus on the fraudulent conversion of funds belonging to Ezegwu Leonard Chinedu, the proprietor of Leatez Enterprises.

​The court heard that on May 2, 2024, the defendant allegedly converted ₦62,745,000 for his personal use. Furthermore, between May 3 and May 7, 2024, an additional ₦15,550,000 was reportedly diverted. These actions are said to contravene Section 342 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 36 of Anambra State, and are punishable under Section 353 (12) of the same law.

​The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to all charges. Following his plea, the EFCC counsel requested a trial date and asked that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility. The defense counsel, however, moved for a bail application, which Justice Onyefulu scheduled for further hearing. Callistus has been remanded at the Onitsha Medium Security Custodial Centre pending the determination of his bail.

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