The Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank, Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei, has been arraigned for allegedly converting the sum of N19 million and $30,000 which were given to her for investment, into her private use.
She was arraigned before Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja on a two-count charge, bordering on illegal conversion and obtaining money by false pretence.
Gozi-Anyaokei is being prosecuted by the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Dele Oyewale, the spokesperson for the anti-graft agency said in a statement on Thursday.
EFCC alleged that Gozi-Anyaokei as the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank in 2022 was entrusted with N19 million by one Ernest Terkula Jor for the purpose of investment.
She however converted the money to her own use, an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990) and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act”.
In the count two, EFCC alleged that Gozi-Anyaokei as the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank in 2022 was entrusted $30,000.00 also by Ernest Terkula Jor for the purpose of investment.
But she also dishonestly converted the funds to her own use in violation of the mode in which the contract is to be discharged, an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990) and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.”
She pleaded “not guilty,” following which prosecution counsel, S.N Robert, prayed the court for a trial date.
Justice Halilu granted the defendant bail with two sureties, who must have landed property within Abuja. The defendant was also ordered to deposit her traveling documents with the court and must not travel outside the country except with the permission of the court.
The matter was adjourned to July 19, 2026, for commencement of trial.