The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) said yesterday that it has arraigned seven persons before Justice Candide Johnson of the Lagos State High Court, Igbosere Division, on a five-count charge for stealing and conspiracy to commit fraud.

According to a statement by the spokesman of the commission, Wilson Uwujaren, "those arraigned were Umeh Ndidiamaka, a former staff of United Bank for Africa; Emeka Onoh, a former security officer with the bank and three others, Augustine Afagaimoh, Samuel Mebele and Obialla Donatus, who are said to be associates of Ndidiamaka. The others are Delight-In International Limited and Water Innovation Nigeria Enterprises, companies owned by the accused persons."

The EFCC said the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to them. They were said to have on or about June11, 2009 attempted to steal the sum of N42.5 million from United Bank of Africa Plc.

The presiding judge, Justice Johnson, adjourned to Friday, April 27 while the accused persons were remanded in EFCC custody.