Ex-Nigerian House of Reps Aspirant, Ericbona Ushie Remanded In Prison Over Alleged Forgery, N35Million Fraud

A politician hailing from Cross River State, Ericbona Eliom Ushie, who vied for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) primary election for the House of Representatives in the state, finds himself entangled in legal proceedings at a Lagos High Court in Ikeja, the state capital.

Ushie stands accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of various charges including theft and fraud, among others, before Honourable Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe.

The EFCC has brought forth 13 counts against the politician, primarily focusing on obtaining funds under false pretenses, contravening sections 1(1a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offenses Act (2006) as amended.

Specifically, Ushie is alleged to have committed theft as outlined in section 280 (1) (b) and punishable under section 287 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015.

One of the charges states, “Ericbona Eliom Ushie, sometime in 2023 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with intent to defraud the aggregate sum of N35.397 million property of Calibration and Non-Destructive Services Limited under the pretense that the said sum was for the purpose of securing an award of a contract from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).”

Despite contesting the PDP House of Representatives’ primary election in 2023, Ushie maintains his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges.

In response, the prosecutor, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, informed the court of the intention to call upon 13 witnesses during the trial.

The defense counsel, Ms. C. Orji, submitted a bail application, indicating that it had been served to the prosecution, a fact corroborated by the prosecution team.

Orji appealed to the court for bail for her client, asserting his presumption of innocence until proven guilty, emphasizing that he poses no flight risk and would not abscond.

However, Justice Abike-Fadipe declined the defense counsel’s request for bail on self-recognizance, ordering Ushie's remand in prison custody until February 22, pending the ruling on the bail application.