Chinese National Arraigned Over Alleged Cheating in Nasarawa

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abuja Zonal Directorate, has arraigned a Chinese national, Zhang Wen Hao, before Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court sitting in Mararaba.

Zhang was brought before the court on a one-count charge bordering on cheating, according to the charge sheet.
The charge reads:
“That you, Zhang Wen Hao, sometime in March 2023 at Suleja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did intentionally induce Paul Yichol with One Thousand Naira only to open account number 1715754475 in his name with Access Bank PLC for the purpose of using same for unlawful activity and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria and punishable under Section 322 of the same Law.”
When the charge was read to him, Zhang pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, the prosecution counsel, Taiwo Aromolaran, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial.
Speaking after the arraignment, Aromolaran said the prosecution was prepared to proceed with the case and sought the court’s intervention to ensure that the trial moved forward without delay.
Meanwhile, counsel to the defendant, Michael Ukatu, made an oral application requesting the court to grant bail to his client.
Justice Shekarau adjourned the case until March 12, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Zhang be remanded in the custody of the EFCC pending the determination of the application.
Ukatu expressed confidence that his client would comply with any bail conditions set by the court and urged the court to grant him temporary freedom pending trial.