The Economic and Financial Crime Commission has arraigned the Chief Executive Officer and publisher of The Interview Magazine, Mr. Azubike Ishekwene before Ikeja Special Offences Court over fraud allegations.
He was arraigned with the former Chief Executive Officer of Cleanserve Integrated Energy Solutions Limited (CIES), Mr. Olalekan Abdul in charge number ID/11126C/2019. The 3rd Defendant, Adeyinka Adewale, former Chief Finance Officer of CIES was said to be at large.
The Defendants were arraigned on an 18-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, forgery, using false document, altering and conspiracy among others, before Justice Mojisola Dada.
During the arraignment, two Senior Advocates, Dr. Muiz Banire and Adeyinka Olumide Fusika appeared for the 1st and 2nd Defendants.
EFCC Counsel, Muhammad Idris informed the court that the charge has been amended due to absence of the third defendant.
He urged the court to issue warrant of arrest against him and take the plea of the others.
Reacting, Olumide-Fusika told the court that Adeyinka Adewale was out of the country as at the time when the matter was filed.
He urged the court to grant him leave to appear in the next adjourned date.
Abdul the 1st defendant was arraigned on a 15 count, while Ishekwene was arraigned on a five-count charge.
They pleaded not guilty the offences, when the charge was read to them.
Upon their plea, EFCC counsel urged the court to remand them in prison custody pending the commencement of trial.
But the defence counsel pleaded with the court to allow them take an undertaken to provide the defendants on the next adjourned date when their bail application would be determined.
After entertaining submission of counsels, Justice Mojisola Dada granted the prayer of the defence team and adjourned till Friday 31st January for determination of their bail application.