The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abuja Zonal Directorate, has allegedly arraigned a company manager, Orbby Vanessa Agwuncha, before Justice O.A. Egwuata of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over alleged violations of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Agwuncha, who reportedly operates under the business name Bill Interserve Global, was arraigned on two counts bordering on failure to establish key compliance structures required of Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs).
According to the EFCC, Agwuncha allegedly failed to develop mandatory anti-money laundering programmes between September 26 and October 30, 2023, a requirement for DNFBPs.
One of the charges states that:
“You, ORBBY VANESSA AGWUNCHA (trading under the name and style of Bill Interserve Global)… failed to designate at management level, a compliance officer within any strata of the company, contrary to Section 10(1)(a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 19(2)(b) of the same Act.”
A second charge also alleges that she failed to establish an Internal Audit Unit to ensure compliance with anti-money laundering regulations, an offence punishable under Section 16(2)(b) of the Act.
Agwuncha pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Following her plea, the prosecution counsel, J.N. Dogonyaro, requested a trial date to enable the EFCC to present its evidence. The defence counsel, however, prayed the court to grant bail to the defendant.
Justice Egwuata granted bail in the sum of ₦50 million, with two sureties in like sum. The court set strict conditions, requiring that:
- The sureties must not be below Grade Level 16
- They must own verifiable landed property in Abuja with Certificates of Occupancy
- All sureties must be persons of reputable character
- Their travel documents must be deposited with the court
- No travel outside the country without express court approval
Pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions, the judge ordered that Agwuncha be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The case has been adjourned to February 16, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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