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TStv MD, Bright Echefu Allegedly Defrauds Ex-minister N380m

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arraigned Bright Echefu, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO) of Telecom Satellites Limited (TStv) and three others on a nine-count money laundering charges.

Count six of the charges alleged that Echefu defrauded Mr Tanimu, MD of Kalsiyam Global and also former Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, the sum of N380 million.

Others arraigned alongside Echefu before Justice Inyang Ekwo of a Federal High Court, Abuja include the Executive Director of TStv, Felix Igboanuga; TStv and Briechberg Investment Ltd as 2nd to 4th defendants respectively. They, however, pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

Upon their non-guilty plea, EFCC’s counsel, Tahir Sylvanus, {SAN}, prayed for an order remanding Echefu and Igboanuga in a correctional centre pending the hearing and determination of the case.

Sylvanus hinged his application on the grounds that it took almost a year after filing the charge before the defendants could be arraigned.

The lawyer, who said Echefu and Igboanuga were a flight risk, alleged that the duo refused to turn up for arraignment after being admitted to administrative bail and the charge filed on June 9, 2023. He, therefore, asked for a speedy trial of the matter.

But Eyitayo Fatogun, {SAN} who appeared for the defendants, informed the court that a bail application had been filed on his client’s behalf in October 2023. He urged the court to admit them to bail, pledging that the defendants were ready to stand their trial.