A combined photo of Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei and EFCC logo
By Victory Oghene
The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank, Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged fraud involving N19million and $30,000 entrusted to lher for investment purposes.
Gozi-Anyaokei was arraigned on Tuesday, May 12, 2025, before Justice Y. Halilu over alleged fraud.
She is being prosecuted on a two-count charge bordering on illegal conversion and obtaining money by false pretence.
One of the counts read: “That you, Blessing Gozi-Anyaokei, sometime in 2022 at Abuja, within the Judicial Division of this Honourable Court, while being the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank was entrusted with the sum of N19,000,000 by Ernest Terkula Jor for the purpose of investment, did dishonestly convert the same to your own use in violation of the mode in which the contract is to be discharged, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990) and punishable under Section 312 of the same Act.”
She pleaded “not guilty,” following which the prosecution counsel, S.N Robert, prayed the court for a trial date.
The presiding judge, Justice Y. Halilu, granted the defendant bail with two sureties, who must have landed property within Abuja.
The defendant was also ordered to deposit her travelling documents with the court and must not travel outside Nigeria except with the permission of the court.
Justice Halilu adjourned the matter till July 19, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
