The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Chinese national, Zhang Wen Hao, before Ibrahim Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court sitting in Mararaba over alleged cheating.
This was made known by the commission, stating that the defendant was brought before the court by the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency on a one-count charge bordering on cheating.
According to the charge, Zhang allegedly induced one Paul Yichol with ₦1,000 to open Access Bank account number 1715754475 in his name, which was allegedly intended to be used for unlawful activities.
The charge reads:
“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 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.”
When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, prosecution counsel Taiwo Aromolaran requested a date for the commencement of trial.
However, defence counsel Michael Ukatu made an oral application seeking bail for the defendant.
Justice Shekarau subsequently adjourned the matter to March 12, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending the determination of the bail request.