By Erewunmi Peace

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Lagos-based businessman, Ugoh Christogonus Onyewuchi, before the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, over an alleged theft of ₦215,800,000 (Two Hundred and Fifteen Million, Eight Hundred Thousand Naira).

Onyewuchi, who is the Chief Executive Officer of C-PAC Integrated Service Nigeria, was arraigned alongside his company on a two-count charge of stealing and retention of proceeds of criminal conduct. The EFCC alleged that the defendant fraudulently converted the said amount for personal use, contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

According to the EFCC, the offence was committed between January and December 2023, when the defendant allegedly received the funds from a client for business purposes but failed to remit or account for them.

When the charges were read, Onyewuchi pleaded not guilty to both counts. The prosecution counsel, led by Bilikisu Buhari, asked the court for a trial date, while the defence counsel requested that the defendant be allowed to continue on the administrative bail earlier granted by the EFCC.

Presiding Judge Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe granted the request and adjourned the case to December 9, 2025, for the commencement of trial.