A staff of the Heritage Bank PLC, Mr. Ufuoma Innocent, has been arrested in Lagos after he allegedly stole and escaped with the bank’s money to the tune of N24m.
The incident took place at the bank’s branch on Lagos Island where Mr Ufuoma Innocent worked before he committed the offence and escaped.
Before he was arrested, the 24-year old Innocent, was said to have been employed as a staff of Heritage Bank and deployed to the branch where he was entrusted with handling cash for the bank customers. Unknown to the bank, he had another motive which was to steal bank money and escape.
The alleged fraud was committed alongside others who were said to be at large and the police had been making effort to arrest the other accomplices. The police alleged that Mr. Innocent and others now at large stole the money and bolted away after Heritage Bank management discovered the fraud.
The matter was reported to the police and following the report, FSARS operatives moved in and arrested Mr. Innocent in his hideout but by then they had already shared the money.
He was charged before the Ogba Magistrates court for conspiracy and stealing.
He pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Supol Christopher John, did not object his being granted bail. However, he asked the court to consider the bail condition that will enable the defendant to come to court for trial in the interest of justice.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. Peter Nwaka, granted Mr. Innocent bail in the sum of N1m with two sureties in like sum who must show evidence of means of livelihood.
He was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail condition.
The matter was adjourned till 11th September, 2018, for mention.
