The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an Enugu-based car dealer, Chukwuebuka Anacletus Ogbonna, over allegations of defrauding a customer of ₦15.4 million under the guise of importing vehicles.
Ogbonna, who operates under the business name Monpere’s Autos, was brought before Justice Vincent C. Ezeugwu of the Enugu State High Court, sitting in Independence Layout, on a four-count charge bordering on stealing by conversion.
Alleged Fraud Over Vehicle Import Deal
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly collected millions of naira from a client, Mr. Paulson Nwakoby, for the purchase and importation of vehicles but failed to deliver the cars or refund the money.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Ogbonna fraudulently converted the funds to his personal use in separate transactions that took place between September and December 2023.
The charges state that the alleged offences contravene the provisions of the Criminal Code Law of Enugu State, which criminalises stealing by conversion.
Defendant Denies Charges
When the charges were read in court, Ogbonna pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following his plea, EFCC prosecuting counsel, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Rotimi Ajobiewe, requested the court to fix a date for trial and order the defendant’s remand pending the determination of his bail application.
Justice Ezeugwu subsequently adjourned the case to July 16, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant remain in custody at the EFCC’s detention facility.
Petitioner Alleges Failure to Deliver Three Cars
The EFCC disclosed that the case stemmed from a petition filed by the complainant, who claimed he paid ₦15.4 millionto Ogbonna in October 2023 to facilitate the importation of three vehicles.
According to the petitioner, the dealer promised to deliver the vehicles on or before December 25, 2023, but allegedly failed to fulfil the agreement.
The Commission said that despite repeated demands, the defendant neither supplied the vehicles nor refunded the money, prompting the petition that led to his arrest and prosecution.
The trial is expected to continue after the court hears the defendant’s bail application later this month.
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