Bank Managing Director Charged with Alleged N19 million ($30,000) Fraud

The Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Blessing Gozi‑Anyaokei, the Managing Director of Viscount Microfinance Bank, on allegations of unlawful conversion of investment funds totaling N19 million and $30 000.

Gozi‑Anyaokei appeared before Justice Y. Halilu of the Federal High Court in Maitama, Abuja, facing two charges: alleged illegal conversion and obtaining money under false pretence.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale released a statement on Thursday saying that the defendant allegedly received N19 million from Ernest Terkula Jor in 2022 for investment purposes while she was MD of the bank. The agency accused her of diverting those funds for personal use, in violation of the Penal Code Act.

The second charge alleges that she also received $30 000 from the same individual for investment purposes and dishonestly converted the money for her own benefit.

The commission noted that the alleged offences breach Section 311 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990, and are punishable under Section 312 of that Act.

Gozi‑Anyaokei pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court. Following her plea, prosecution counsel S.N. Robert requested a date to commence the trial.

Justice Halilu granted her bail, requiring two sureties who must own landed property in Abuja. The court also ordered her to surrender her travel documents and prohibited her from leaving the country without court approval.

The case was adjourned to July 19, 2026, for the start of the trial.