The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Emmanuella Ita, head of stakeholders unit at the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and her company, Surestart School Limited, to court over allegations of ₦2 billion fraud.
Ita and her company are facing 25-count charges before the federal high court in Abuja, including criminal misappropriation, diversion of funds, criminal breach of trust, and money laundering.
During proceedings on Tuesday, Ita’s lead counsel, Paul Erokoro, SAN, urged the court to dismiss the prosecution’s case.
“We urge the court to discharge and acquit the first defendant. We also request that the N19.5 million paid to the EFCC, be returned so that she can repay the lenders.
“The prosecution has failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt,” he stated.
Responding, prosecuting counsel Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, insisted that the evidence is sufficient to secure a conviction.
“The prosecution has presented clear and credible evidence. We respectfully request that the court rejects the defense’s application to dismiss the case,” he said.
Justice Giwa Ogunbanjo adjourned the trial for judgment on December 8.
“The court will deliver its ruling on the charges filed against the defendants on the stated date. Both parties will have the opportunity to receive the judgment in full.”
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