The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested 2 Catholic Church sisters for allegedly tampering with shareholders’ documents at the Corporate Affairs Commission.
The suspects, Rev. Sisters Annette Ezekwem and Gertrude Okafor, staff of Madonna University in Elele, Rivers State, were apprehended alongside the Managing Director of Mayfresh Mortgage Bank Limited, Aba, Abia State, Mr. Mark Egbegolu.
They have been accused of fraudulent changes to shareholders’ names and dates of birth, allegedly to avoid a repayment of a N1.2 billion loan obtained 5 years ago.
Findings have shown that the principal suspect, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Madonna University, Prof. Martin Anagboso, who allegedly masterminded the scheme at the CAC, was detained by the EFCC last week.
Reports said that Prof. Martin created a debenture in favour of Mayfresh Mortgage Bank to secure the N1.2 billion loan. To evade repayment, he reportedly connived with accomplices to change CAC records, stripping majority shareholders of their lawful holdings and blocking repayment demands.
EFCC has since accused the suspects of trying to alter the names and dates of birth of Chief Steven Edeh (Late), Arc. John Paul, and Mrs. Maria Edeh-Omeogo, who are major shareholders at Mayfresh Mortgage Bank, to divert payment of the loan.
Their capture happened after the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, ordered the EFCC to look into the alleged tampering with the bank’s records.
Reacting, the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre blasted the alleged crime.
Its Executive Director, Dr. Okechukwu Nwanguma, called for a quick investigation and prosecution, stressing that the case must not be swept under the carpet.
All attempts to speak to the suspects proved abortive, with phone calls and SMSes still unanswered thus far.
