The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abuja Zonal Directorate has arraigned a Chinese, Zhang Wen Hao, before Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of the Nasarawa High Court sitting in Mararaba
The anti-graft agency in a statement posted on its Facebook page said he was arraigned on a one count charge bordering on cheating.
“That you, Zhang Wen Hao sometime in March 2023 at Suleja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable 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 and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria and punishable under Section 322 of the same Law,” the count reads.
He pleaded not guilty, prompting the prosecution counsel Taiwo Aromolaran to ask the judge for a date to commence trial.
Meanwhile, the EFCC said counsel to the defendant Michael Ukatu made an oral application for bail.
Justice Shekarau adjourned the matter till 12 March 2026 for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the EFCC.
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According to the Penal Code applicable in Northern Nigeria, inducing another person for a fraudulent end constitutes an offence of deception or cheating.
Specifically, Section 320 of the law criminalises acts of deception intended to dishonestly obtain property or facilitate illegal activity.While Section 322 of the law prescribes as punishment for the offence an imprisonment of maximum of three years or with fine or with both.
The case adds to the growing incidence of Chinese nationals facing fraud charges in the country.
