First Bank Manager, Nnedimma Arah Arraigned Over Alleged $400,000 Fraud
Police prosecutors from the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) have arraigned Nnedimma Arah, a senior manager at First Bank Limited, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on allegations of forgery.
In Charge No. FHC/L/582C/2025, Arah—the manager of First Bank’s Dosunmu branch on Lagos Island—pleaded not guilty to a single count during her arraignment.
Prior to the arraignment, prosecutor Emmanuel Eze informed the court that the charges against Arah had been upgraded to an amended three-count version involving a co-defendant, Temitope Ogheneteme, following legal advice from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Justice Daniel Osiagor granted a Motion on Notice from the prosecution to remove Temitope Ogheneteme from the March 30, 2026, charge. This decision effectively discontinued the legal proceedings against him, leaving Arah as the remaining defendant in the case.
The amended charge alleges that on August 12, 2022, Arah forged a letter of undertaking. This document was purportedly issued by Freshborn Industries Limited for the purpose of covering foreign exchange differentials.
The prosecution claimed that Arah’s alleged actions violated Section 1(2)(c) of the Miscellaneous Offences Act, Cap M17, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which is punishable under the same section.
Following her "not guilty" plea, the defense counsel, G.C. Arerebo, requested her release on bail. Justice Osiagor subsequently granted Arah bail in the sum of ₦5 million with one surety, ordering her remand in female correctional custody until she meets these conditions.
The legal proceedings were previously delayed after the Office of the DPP requested the case file from the police for review on January 26, 2026. This review was conducted in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, following a formal petition submitted by First Bank.
In its formal petition to the Attorney-General of the Federation, First Bank maintained that the entire conflict originated from a commercial dispute regarding a $400,000 credit facility extended to Freshborn Industries Limited. The bank further emphasized that because the matter is already being litigated in a pending civil suit before the Lagos State High Court, the current criminal proceedings constitute an inappropriate abuse of the court process.
Following the presentation of these arguments and the conclusion of the preliminary motions, Justice Daniel Osiagor officially adjourned the case. The court has scheduled July 14 and 15, 2026, as the dates for the trial to formally commence and for the prosecution to begin presenting its evidence.