Company Secretary Mba docked For Allegedly Diverting Employer’s N17.1m

A 32-year-old company secretary, Chinwe Mba, has been arraigned before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing a whopping N17.1 million from her employer, Ejike Auto Cars Global Ventures.

The Lagos Police charged Mba with conspiracy and theft after an audit exposed discrepancies in the company’s finances.

Prosecutor ASP Adegoke Ademiguji told the court that between March 2023 and November 2024, the defendant allegedly tampered with the company’s account and siphoned off N17.156 million.

According to Ademiguji, the alleged fraud took place at the company’s office located at 17/19 Oloruntoyin Street, Mushin, Lagos.

The prosecution stated that Mba, who was entrusted with overseeing the firm’s financial records, took advantage of her position to divert the funds. It was only after an internal audit that the missing money was discovered, prompting an investigation that led to her arrest.

The police further revealed that the defendant was not acting alone, as others believed to be involved in the fraud are still at large.

Efforts to track down her alleged accomplices are ongoing.

Mba, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution insisted that her actions violated Sections 287 and 411 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015, which prescribe penalties for theft and conspiracy.

Following her plea, Chief Magistrate O. Kushanu granted Mba bail in the sum of N400,000, requiring two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate directed that the sureties must provide verifiable addresses and evidence of tax payments.

The case has been adjourned to March 27 for further mention.