Ekiti woman docked over alleged N6.8m bank fraud

By Boye Oyeyemi

A 46-year-old woman, Vivian Osimoagwe Ehioghae, has been arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding a microfinance bank of N6.8 million.

The defendant was accused of obtaining the money from Asha Microfinance Bank on June 25, 2026, under the guise of using it for business purposes but allegedly diverting the funds to her personal use.

The prosecutor, ASP Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that Ehioghae, who resides in Progress Community, off Federal Polytechnic Road, Ado-Ekiti, also allegedly issued a dud cheque drawn on United Bank for Africa to settle the transaction.

Oriyomi said the cheque was subsequently dishonoured by the bank, adding that the defendant’s actions constituted offences under Sections 329, 383 and 181 of the Criminal Laws of Ekiti State, 2021.

The prosecution further alleged that the defendant’s conduct was capable of causing a breach of public peace.

However, the defendant’s counsel, Barrister Adunmi Olanipekun, urged the court to grant her bail, assuring that she would make herself available for trial.

In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1m, with two sureties in like sum.

The court adjourned the case until December 12, 2026, for hearing.