The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a Chinese national, Zhang Wen Hao, before a Nasarawa State High Court over an alleged bank account fraud scheme. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge. The court adjourned proceedings to consider his bail application and ordered his remand in EFCC custody.
The case was filed by the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission against Zhang Wen Hao. He was brought before Justice Ibrahim Shekarau at the Nasarawa State High Court sitting in Mararaba.
Prosecutors accused the defendant of inducing a Nigerian, Paul Yichol, with the sum of ₦1,000 to open a bank account for activities described as unlawful. The alleged offence reportedly occurred in March 2023 in Suleja, within the court’s jurisdiction.
The charge stated that the act contravenes provisions of the Penal Code applicable in Northern Nigeria and carries penalties under the same law.
During the court session, prosecution counsel Taiwo Aromolaran requested a trial date following the defendant’s not-guilty plea. Defence counsel Michael Ukatu made an oral application seeking bail for his client.
Justice Shekarau adjourned the matter until March 12, 2026, for hearing of the bail application. The judge also directed that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the EFCC pending further proceedings.
