A fake Chief Security Officer (CSO) to the President, Titus Joshua, was on Thursday May 12, arraigned before Justice S. M. Shuaibu of the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The suspect was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.

The suspect is alleged to have defrauded his victims of over N200 million under the pretence of helping them secure top management positions at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

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One of the counts read: “That you, Titus Joshua sometime between 10th August, 2018 and 30th September, 2021 at Orhionmwon Local Government, Benin City within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did fraudulently obtain the total sum of N12,216,000 from one Engr. James Igbinosun which you claimed was money to facilitate the application of the said Engr. James Igbinosun into the position of Managing Director of NDDC, which you instructed the said Engr. James Igbinosun to pay into various accounts, the pretence you knew is false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed, prayed the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant.

Justice Shuauibu adjourned the matter till May 30 for hearing on the bail application and ordered the defendant remanded at the Correctional Service.

The Star