The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned the Chief Executive Officer of Ski Hi-Entertainment, Ifeanyichukwu Ogbu, before the Enugu State High Court over allegations of issuing dud cheques worth N16.847 million in connection with unpaid hotel bills.

Ogbu was brought before Justice Vincent C. Ezeugwu at the Enugu State High Court sitting in Independence Layout on a three-count charge bordering on the issuance of dishonoured cheques, an offence under the Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act.

According to a statement issued on Monday by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, one of the charges alleges that Ogbu, trading under the name Ski Hi-Entertainment, knowingly issued a Zenith Bank cheque dated August 9, 2024, valued at N5.53 million, despite insufficient funds in the account.

The anti-graft agency said the cheque was dishonoured when presented for payment within the legally stipulated period of three months, an action it described as a violation of Section 1(1)(a) of the Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act, punishable under Section 1(1)(b)(i) of the same law.

Defendant Pleads Not Guilty

When the charges were read in court, Ogbu pleaded not guilty.

Following the plea, EFCC prosecuting counsel, Assistant Commander of the EFCC (ACE II) Michael Ikechukwu Ani, requested the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending trial.

However, defence counsel Chikelu Anya attempted to make an oral application for bail. Justice Ezeugwu declined to entertain the oral request, reminding counsel that the court is a court of record and that a formal application was required.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to July 16, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application. Pending that date, the court released the defendant to his counsel with an undertaking that he must be produced before the court on the next adjourned date.

How the Alleged Fraud Happened

According to the EFCC, the case stemmed from a petition filed by Oby Onwuakor, the Sales and Front Office Manager of Ski Hi-Entertainment, acting on behalf of the company’s management.

The petitioner alleged that Ogbu booked hotel accommodation for members of three Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) clubs, resulting in a total bill of N17,424,600 after the guests completed their stay.

The EFCC said Ogbu allegedly paid only N1 million, leaving an outstanding balance. To settle the debt, he reportedly issued three separate cheques, all of which were returned unpaid due to insufficient funds in the account.

The anti-corruption agency said its investigation led to Ogbu’s arrest and subsequent prosecution.

If convicted, the defendant could face penalties prescribed under Nigeria’s Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act.

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