The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned a 29-year old businessman, Chizoba Dilo, before Justice S. Odili of an Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha, over an alleged case of stealing to the tune of N64million.
Dilo was docked on a two -count charge bordering on stealing. The offence is contrary to Section 342 of the Criminal Code Law Cap. 36 Law of Anambra State and punishable under Section 353 (9) of the same Law.
Count one of the charge reads: “That you, Chizoba Dilo, sometime in 2021 in Onitsha, Anambra State within the jurisdiction of Anambra State High Court of Nigeria, committed a felony to wit: stealing by fraudulently converting to your personal use, the sum of N34,013,000, property of Chinedu Obaino and thereby committed an offence”.
Count two of the charge reads: “That you, Chizoba Dilo, sometime in 2021 in Onitsha, Anambra State within the jurisdiction of Anambra State High Court of Nigeria, committed a felony to wit: stealing by fraudulently converting to your personal use, the sum of N29,987,000, property of Chinedu Obaino and thereby committed an offence.”
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. In view of his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Rotimi Ajobiewe prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at the Correctional facility.
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However, the defence counsel, J. Odo informed the court about his client’s bail application and prayed for its favourable consideration.
The prosecution opposed the application on the grounds that “the defendant had previously jumped administrative bail granted him by the Commission”.
After listening to both sides, Justice Odili granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10million with two sureties resident in Onitsha who must depose to an affidavit of means. Addresses of the sureties must be verified by the bailiff of the court.
The defendant was thereafter remanded at the Correctional facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions. The matter was adjourned to May 26, 2026 for trial.
The defendant’s journey to the dock began on July 21, 2025 when a petitioner, Chinedu Obaino, a fashion and textile materials dealer in Main Market, Onitsha alleged that he gave the said money to the defendant to purchase stocks for him in China, having claimed to have a reliable source there.
After paying the money in tranches, the defendant failed to make the purchase. Instead, he bought cars and built a hotel within the period he received the money.
All efforts made to get the money back proved abortive as the defendant relocated from his known address and changed his phone number.
