Deputy Director docked for allegedly duping Enugu residents N150,000 for water bill

An Enugu North Magistrates’ Court, on Tuesday arraigned Emeka Edoh, a Deputy Director in the Enugu State Water Corporation, for allegedly defrauding some Enugu residents the sum of N150,000.

Edoh, 56, who is facing one count charge of obtaining the sum in false pretence was arraigned before Magistrate Joseph Agu.

When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

The defendant’s Counsel, E.E. Ezekwe, however, applied for his bail, saying the offence committed by his client was bailable but the Prosecutor, Onyinye Ugwu, opposed he application.

Ugwu, a Senior Legal Officer from the Office of the Attorney-General of Enugu State, argued that the offence for which the defendant was charged was a serious one.

After hearing the arguments of both parties, Agu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 and also to provide a surety, who must be a Staff of the Enugu Sate Water Corporation on Grade Level 14 or above.

Earlier, the prosecutor told the court that the offense was committed  on April 23 at No 144 Banks Avenue, in Enugu North Magisterial District.

Ugwu said the defendant did by false pretense defrauded one Chinyere Ogbonna, Onyinye Ugwu and other members of the neighborhood N150,000 with the pretence to rectify their bill at the state Water Corporation.

She added that the offence committed was punishable under section 386 of the Criminal Code, Cap 30 Vol 11, reversed Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria.

Agu, therefore, adjourned the matter till May 22. for a hearing.