Operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have arrested two Catholic Church reverend sisters for allegedly tampering with shareholders’ documents at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The suspects, Rev. Sisters Annette Ezekwem and Getrude Okafor, both personnel of Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State, were arrested alongside the Managing Director of Mayfresh Mortgage Bank Limited, Aba, Abia State, Mr. Mark Egbegolu. They are accused of fraudulent meddling with shareholders’ names and dates of birth to evade repayment of a ₦1.2 billion loan obtained in 2020.
According to PUNCH the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Madonna University, Prof. Martin Anagboso—described as the principal suspect in the deal—was arrested penultimate week by the anti-graft agency for allegedly initiating the fraudulent process at the CAC.
It was gathered that Prof. Anagboso created a debenture in favour of Mayfresh Mortgage Bank Limited to secure the ₦1.2 billion loan in 2020. To evade repayment, he allegedly connived with accomplices, now at large, to alter CAC records and strip majority shareholders of their lawful holdings, thereby silencing their demands for repayment.
The suspects allegedly attempted to alter the names and dates of birth of Chief Steven Edeh (late), Arc. John Paul, and Mrs. Maria Edeh-Omeogo, said to be major shareholders of Mayfresh Mortgage Bank, in a bid to divert loan repayment obligations.
Their arrest reportedly followed the directive of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who instructed the EFCC to investigate the unlawful tampering with the bank’s records at the CAC.
Reacting to the development, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre condemned the alleged fraud and urged authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.
The Executive Director of the Centre, Dr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, said:
“The principal suspect and all identified accomplices should be charged to court without delay; and ensure that this case is not compromised or swept under the carpet. We demand prompt prosecution to send a strong message that Nigeria will not tolerate economic sabotage and that its institutions are committed to protecting lawful business interests.”
Efforts to reach the suspects for comments were unsuccessful as calls to the phones of the bank’s MD, the DVC, and others were not answered. Messages sent to their mobile numbers had also not been responded to at the time of filing this report on Monday.
