On 17th October 2018, Abia Facts News broke the news of Abia State former Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Obinna Oriaku’s detention by EFCC in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Those detained along side Oriaku were Charity Nneoma Ukaonu, Idika Kalu and Uche Udeachara all Abia State civil Servants and members of Abia State Salary Verification Unit.
They were all interrogated regarding a petition on allegation of salary padding, money laundering summitted to the EFCC.
Today 4th November 2019, EFCC arrainged Mrs Charity Nneoma Ukaonu, Idika Kalu and Uche Udeachara on an 11 count charge at the Federal High Court in Umuahia, Abia State.
While four count charges which ranges from money laundering, salary padding to the tune of about N2m was placed on Mrs Charity Ukaonu, five court charge was placed on Uche Udeachara for salary padding / money lanudering of about N4.5m, while 2 count charge was also placed on Idika Kalu for salary padding and money lanudering of about N600,000.
In the case of Uche Udeachara, some of the alleged salary padding proceed were paid into the account of his minor son and daugther.
The defense counsel Barrister D. O Urauakpa pleaded that he moves a motions for bail, but the prosecution conusel Barrister C.O Ugwu argued that he has just served the motion for bail and he needs time to reply.
Finally, the presiding judge ruled that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody from now to 11th November 2019 for the hearing of bail and proper prosecution.
