EFCC Arraigns Chinese Man for Cheating

he Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abuja Zonal Directorate has arraigned a Chinese national, Zhang Wen Hao, before the Nasarawa High Court sitting in Mararaba, Nigeria.

The defendant appeared before Justice Ibrahim Shekarau on a one-count charge bordering on cheating.
According to the charge brought before the court, the defendant allegedly induced an individual identified as Paul Yichol to open a bank account that was intended for unlawful activities.

The charge reads:

“That you, Zhang Wen Hao sometime in March 2023 at Suleja within the jurisdiction of this Honorable 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.”
During the proceedings, Zhang Wen Hao pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following the plea, prosecution counsel Taiwo Aromolaran requested the court to set a date for the commencement of trial. Meanwhile, defence counsel Michael Ukatu made an oral application for bail on behalf of the defendant.

Justice Ibrahim Shekarau subsequently adjourned the matter until March 12, 2026, when the court will hear the bail application.

The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the EFCC pending further proceedings.