The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abuja Zonal Directorate has arraigned a Chinese national, Zhang Wen Hao, before Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court sitting in Mararaba over allegations of cheating.

Zhang was docked on a one-count charge bordering on alleged fraudulent inducement relating to the opening of a bank account for purported unlawful purposes.

According to the charge sheet, the defendant allegedly, in March 2023 in Suleja, induced one Paul Yichol with ₦1,000 to open Access Bank account number 1715754475 in his name for the purpose of using it for illegal activity, an offence said to contravene Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria and punishable under Section 322.

During the court session, Zhang pleaded not guilty to the charge. Following his plea, prosecution counsel Taiwo Aromolaran urged the court to fix a date for trial, stating that the commission was prepared to present its case without delay.

“We are ready to present our case and seek the court’s intervention to ensure the trial proceeds expeditiously,” Aromolaran said.

Defence counsel Michael Ukatu subsequently moved an oral application requesting bail for his client, arguing that Zhang would comply with court conditions if granted temporary freedom pending trial.

Justice Shekarau adjourned the matter to March 12, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody until the next hearing.