The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Enugu Command has arraigned a pastor named Kelechi Vitalis Anozie before the Federal High Court in Enugu.
Anozie was charged with money laundering on a seven-count charge before Justice I.M Buba, along with three others who are still at large (Mr. Azubuike Ifeanyi Bright, Mrs. Amarachi Blessing Iro, and Mr. Kelechi Patrick Iro).
The Pastor, who is reportedly on the FBI’s Most Wanted List, was apprehended by the EFCC’s Enugu Command in Owerri on March 10, 2022, after the Commission received actionable intelligence.
He is accused of defrauding one F.F who lives in Illinois the sum of $135,800, and $47,000 from another American based in North Carolina.
One of the counts read;
”That you PASTOR KELECHI VITALIS ANOZIE,MR AZUBUIKE IFEANYI BRIGHT( NOW AT LARGE), MRS AMARACHI BLESSING IRI (NOW AT LARGE) AND MR KELECHI PATRICK IRO (NOW AT LARGE) sometime between 2017 and 2019, at Owerri within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria conspired among yourselves to commit a felony to wit: use and taking possession of fund that forms part of proceeds of an unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (a) of the Money Laundering,(Prohibition) Act,2022 and Punishable under section 18(3) of the same Act.”
Anozie pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him, prompting the prosecution counsel, Michael Ani, to ask the Court for a date for the commencement of trial. The defendant’s counsel, E. Adams prayed the court to grant his client bail.
The defendant was granted bail in the sum of N10, 000,000 (Ten Million Naira) and one surety in like sum. The surety must be resident within the jurisdiction and own a property. He must also swear to an affidavit of means.
The defendant is to deposit his international passport and passport photographs with the court. The case was adjourned until Friday June 10,2022 for trial.