EFCC arraigns ex-banker for ‘stealing from customer’

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday arraigned former banker Ali Kareem at the Federal High Court Lagos for allegedly stealing N8.7 million from a customer.

He allegedly conspired with others at large to impersonate a Union Bank customer, Alexander Cherembem, to fraudulently facilitate the withdrawal of funds from his account.

Kareem was charged before Justice Chuka Obiozor on a three count charge of conspiracy, impersonation and fraud.

He was accused of processing a “request” for Union Mobile for the customer’s account without obtaining his proper identity.

EFCC said Kareem impersonated the victim so as to facilitate the withdrawal of about N8.7 million from his account through the Union Mobile platform.

Prosecuting counsel Mr George Chia-yakua said the alleged offence contravenes sections 22, 22(2) and 37 of the Cyber Crimes Prohibition Act, 2015.

Kareem pleaded not guilty.

Defence counsel Olatimihan Ogunbiyi said he filed a bail application.

Justice Obiozor ordered the remand of Kareem in prison pending the hearing of his bail application.

He adjourned until November 5.