The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Bright Echefu, CEO of Telecom Satellites Limited (TStv), and three others on a nine-count money laundering charge on Thursday.
They were arraigned before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court. The other accused were Felix Igboanuga, executive director of TStv, TStv and Briechberg Investment Ltd, the second to fourth defendants, respectively.
They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts. Upon their non-guilty plea, EFCC’s counsel, Tahir Sylvanus, prayed for an order remanding Messrs Echefu and Igboanuga in a correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Mr Sylvanus based his application on the fact that the defendants were arraigned almost a year after the suit was filed. The lawyer, who said Mr Echefu and Igboanuga were a flight risk, alleged that the duo refused to turn up for arraignment after being admitted to administrative bail and the charge filed on June 9, 2023.