By Joe Udo
Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Charles Chukwuemeka Ugwuh, for an alleged conspiracy and fraud to the tune of N3.6 billion.
Ugwuh was arrested alongside Chief Geoffrey Ekenma on 11 January 2024 by the Lagos Zonal Command EFCC Officials at No.2, Musa Yar Adua way, New Owerri, Imo State, following a petition to the Commission from a new generation bank on the alleged fraud perpetrated through a company, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., linked to the ex-Minister.
Investigations revealed that Ugwuh and Ekenma, Managing Director, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., allegedly obtained a loan facility from the bank for the purchase and production of polished rice.
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“However, the suspect, according to the petitioner, failed to meet up his obligations to the bank and all efforts to get him to repay the loan facility proved abortive.
“The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded,” a statement by the EFCC said.