Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday attempted to arrest Chinenye Duru, a staff member of Polaris Bank, shortly after a court session at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Duru and Polaris Bank Plc are facing 11 counts of money laundering and fraud over alleged fraudulent withdrawals from a customer’s accounts.
Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the case to May 14 for the adoption of arguments after the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) sought to withdraw the case. However, Duru’s lawyer, Chidi Ezenwafor, objected, arguing that the withdrawal was a ploy to re-arrest his client.
Ezenwafor reminded the court that Duru had previously been detained for two months before being released by a court order. The judge instructed both parties to file their applications and responses before the next hearing date.
Shortly after stepping out of the courtroom, EFCC operatives ambushed Duru, attempting to arrest him. In response, he ran back into the courtroom for cover, causing a commotion.
Justice Ekwo, already presiding over another case, was alerted to the situation. Duru’s lawyer condemned the EFCC’s actions, calling it a contempt of court since the case was still pending.
Justice Ekwo barred the EFCC from making an arrest inside the courtroom, stating that the commission should formally invite Duru instead. He warned that failure to honor such an invitation would be a different matter.
The Nigerian police had previously charged Polaris Bank and Duru with fraudulent withdrawals amounting to N16.5 billion from accounts belonging to Victor Onukogu Hezekiah, the spiritual head of Living Christ Mission Church, Onitsha, Anambra.
The prosecution alleges that these transactions violated Section 21(a) and are punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition Act, 2022).
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The case remains adjourned for further proceedings on May 14.
