Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja has exonerated a couple, Austin and Nnenna Mbonu accused of N32.5 million fraud pressed against them.
The trial judge delivered this judgement on Friday.
The judge noted that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and similar bodies should not act as a debt recovery agency.
Justice Taiwo also advised the contending parties to approach a civil court for settlement.
According to the judge, “There is no evidence that the defendants admitted that they are owing.”
Therefore false pretence had not been proven as there was enough evidence that the defendants applied for a loan for their legitimate business.
While announcing appearance for the Prosecution, Mr. Godsent Akhanolu explained that Mr. Nkweruwem Anana had been transferred out of the state.
Austin Mbonu and Nnenna Mbonu were arraigned on a 20 count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N32.5 million in which they pleaded not guilty.