EFCC arraigns Chinese national Zhang Wen Hao for alleged cheating in Nasarawa; accused pleads not guilty and awaits bail hearing on March 12, 2026

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Abuja Zonal Directorate, has arraigned a Chinese national, Zhang Wen Hao, before Justice Ibrahim Shekarau of the Nasarawa State High Court over an alleged cheating offence.

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Zhang is facing a one-count charge of cheating, accused of inducing Paul Yichol with One Thousand Naira in March 2023 to open a bank account with Access Bank PLC for unlawful purposes.

The charge cites Section 320 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria, punishable under Section 322.

During the hearing, Zhang pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel Taiwo Aromolaran requested that a trial date be fixed, emphasising the readiness of the EFCC to present its case without delay.

Zhang’s lawyer, Michael Ukatu, filed an oral application for bail, arguing that his client would comply with all conditions if temporary liberty were granted.

Justice Shekarau adjourned proceedings to March 12, 2026, for the bail hearing and ordered that Zhang remain in EFCC custody until then.

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The arraignment highlights ongoing efforts by the EFCC to prosecute financial crimes involving both local and foreign nationals in Nigeria.