Bank MD arraigned over alleged N19m, $30,000 fraud
EFCC Arraigns Microfinance Bank Managing Director for Fraud
The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei, the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank, with financial misconduct involving the unlawful conversion of investment funds totaling 19 million naira and $30,000.
Gozi-Anyaokei appeared before Justice Y. Halilu at the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, facing two counts related to the alleged illegal conversion of funds and obtaining money under false pretenses.
The EFCC alleges that in 2022, Gozi-Anyaokei received 19 million naira from Ernest Terkula Jor for investment purposes while she was serving as Managing Director. The agency accuses her of misappropriating these funds for personal use, in violation of the Penal Code Act.
In a second count, the EFCC claims that she also received $30,000 from Jor for similar investment purposes but subsequently converted the money for her personal benefit.
According to the EFCC, these actions contravene Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990, and are punishable under Section 312 of the same statute. Gozi-Anyaokei pleaded not guilty to the charges presented in court.
Prosecution counsel S.N. Robert requested a trial date following her plea. Justice Halilu agreed to grant bail to the defendant, stipulating that she must secure two sureties who possess property in Abuja. The court also ordered her to surrender her travel documents and prohibited her from leaving the country without prior court approval.
The case has been adjourned until July 19, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
