N10m fraud- Ex-Zenith Bank Staff On Trial

FORMER employee of Zenith Bank Plc., Kelvin Udeme, is standing trial at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly duping one Egheonyeha Godwin of N10m. The money was to be used in procuring a United States diplomatic visa.

Godwin, also a former worker with the bank, told the court that he suffered twin losses because his employment was terminated due to the fraud.

In the second hearing since the case began on June 4, 2013, Godwin said, “I met Udeme while we both worked as staff of Zenith Bank and we became friends.”

 

He said in the course of their friendship, Udeme told him he had an uncle in the United States who could help him (Udeme) go to the US.

He said Udeme told him that the uncle said getting a US visa would cost N4m. He added that later he was advised to get a diplomatic passport. He explained that he paid N10m in all for the travelling.

Godwin told the court that he became suspicious when Udeme, who no longer worked for Zenith Bank, came to his office on Victoria Island and requested for N150,000. The money was to be used to polish his application for diplomatic visa because his NECO result was not acceptable.

He said, “Initially I gave Udeme the money. However I called him not long after he left my office and requested for my money back. I told him I was no longer interested, but Udeme declined  refund it.”

Godwin reported the case to Special Anti-robbery Squad, Ikeja.  Three months later Udeme was apprehended.

The prosecutor, Inspector Samson Ekikere, tendered Godwin’s passport found in Udeme’s house when he was apprehended.

The magistrate, Mrs. Oshodi Makanju, adjourned the case till July 19, 2013.

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