The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Chinese national, Zhang Wen Hao, before the Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court sitting in Mararaba over an alleged case of cheating.
The defendant was brought before the court by the EFCC’s Abuja Zonal Directorate on a one-count charge bordering on cheating.
According to the charge sheet, Zhang allegedly induced a man identified as Paul Yichol with the sum of ₦1,000 to open a bank account in his name with Access Bank Plc, allegedly for the purpose of carrying out unlawful activities.
Prosecutors told the court that the offence occurred in March 2023 in Suleja, within the court’s jurisdiction.
“That you, Zhang Wen Hao sometime in March 2023 at Suleja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did intentionally induce Paul Yichol with One Thousand Naira only to open account number 1715754475 in his name with Access Bank PLC for the purpose of using same for unlawful activity.”
The EFCC said the alleged act contravenes Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria and is punishable under Section 322 of the same law.
When the charge was read to him, Zhang pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, prosecution counsel Taiwo Aromolaran requested the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial, while defence counsel Michael Ukatu made an oral application for bail.
Justice Shekarau subsequently adjourned the matter until March 12, 2026 for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending the determination of the bail request.