The Lagos State Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) re‑arraigned Portia Emilia on Thursday before Justice O.O. Abike‑Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, charging her with an alleged N110 million fraud. The agency announced the re‑arraignment in a statement posted on its website and official social media channels, copies of which were obtained by our correspondent.
Emilia was re‑arraigned alongside her company, Savanah Crest Investment Limited, on five amended counts that include conspiracy to steal (contrary to Section 411 and punishable under Section 287(5) of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015), obtaining money and property by false pretence (Section 1(1)(2) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Fraud Offences Act 2006), and stealing (Sections 280(1)(12)8(7), 285(1) and 278(1)(b) of the Lagos State Criminal Laws 2011). She is also accused of retaining stolen property under Section 328(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law 2015.
One count alleges that “Portia Emilia and Savanah Crest Investment Limited, sometime in 2018 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, stole and dishonestly converted to their own the sum of N40 million.” Another count states that “Portia Anthony Emilia and Savanah Crest Investment Limited, sometime in 2018 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, fraudulently obtained the sum of N20 million from one Wendy Daniel.” Emilia, who also entered a plea on behalf of the company, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecuting counsel F. Ofoma informed the court that the prosecution would close its case after calling two witnesses and tendering several pieces of documentary evidence, saying, “The prosecution hereby applies to close its case.” Defence counsel J.J. Amodu requested an adjournment to prepare for the case and asked that Emilia continue to enjoy the bail previously granted. The court granted the defence’s prayer, adjourning the matter to 22 June 2023.
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