Man Docked For Fraud

A middle aged man, Dr Fort Wilcox has been remanded into prison custody by a Port Harcourt Chief Magistrate Court presided over by E.C. Woke for fraud. Dr. Wilcox was said to have allegedly obtained the sum of N18,392,500 belonging to one Innocent Okpala, Director of Innoma Auto Company Ltd, Port Harcourt in the pretext of purchasing terran Geotoxtile Fabrics used in the construction of roads.

The accused person was also alleged to have on October 25, 2010 issued a dud cheque of N18,392,500 of first City Monumental Bank (FCMB) with cheque No 10084003 in favour of Innoma Auto Company Ltd, Port Harcourt.

The accused person, 51, is standing trial on a two-count charge of stealing by pretext and issuance of a dull cheque.

The Prosecuting Police Officer, Inspector, Godwin Nwinano told the court that the accused person (Dr Fort Wilcox) between March and June 2010 in Eleme Local Government within the jurisidiction of Port Harcourt magisterial District did steal by pretext money belonging to one Innocent Okpala totalling N18,392,500.00.

He further alleged that the accused on October 25, 2010 at 142 Ikwerre Road issued a dud cheque to the complainant explaining that the accused was aware that there was insufficient or no fund credited to the said account with FCMB.

He told the court that the offence committed was punishable under section 1 (3) of Advanced Fee Fraud Related offences Act Cap A6 laws and Act Cap D11 Laws of the Federation 2004 and 2006.

The accused person did not make any plea on the two count charges brought against him.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, E.C. Woke while reminding the accused to prison custody, directed that the case file be forwarded to the Director of Federal Prosecution for legal advice.

He further advised the accused person to seek for bail at the Federal High Court. The case was later adjourned to March 12, 2012 for continuation.

Jacob Sarah P.