Atuche, who took to the stand in his ongoing trial, before Justice Lateefat Okunnu of a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, told the court that he was not a thief. The former bank chief and his wife, Elizabeth are being prosecuted for allegedly steal...ing N25.7 billion belonging to Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank) and are standing trial alongside a former Chief Financial Officer of the bank, Ugo Anyanwu.
Atuche, who was led in evidence by his counsel, Mr Tayo Oyetibo, said his Catholic upbringing was responsible for his high moral conduct.
“I am a Catholic. I cannot be a thief. I was baptised in the church and before I left primary school, I have started receiving Holy Communion which I do everyday. I cannot receive Holy Communion when I am not in the state of grace. I cannot be a thief because God has been gracious to me.”
Atuche insisted that he had never stolen anything in his life, adding that this was attested to by the excellent testimonial issued to him by the various schools he attended.
He told the court that he joined United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), in Ibadan as a clerk on April 4, 1982 and was promoted to the post of supervisor, only after nine months.
However, he could not conclude his testimony following the court’s decision to adjourn further hearing of the case till July 7.
Earlier, a businessman, Chief Christian Imoka, also testified on behalf of the defendants in respect of the procedure used for granting loans by the bank.
Imoka, the Managing Director of Chris Edik International Limited and Chris Edik Pharmaceutical Limited said he was a customer of Bank PHB during the tenure of Atuche.
The witness admitted that he was granted several credit facilities by the bank in a faster process than other banks where he indicated the same interest.
He said often times, he would regularise the transaction after the money had been disbursed, especially when he was outside the country.
Imoka told the court that following his close relationship with the bank, he later purchased some of its shares for N1.3 billion through a private placement.
Under cross-examination by the EFCC counsel, Mr Kemi Pinheiro denied being indebted to Bank PHB’s predecessor, Keystone Bank, to the tune of N2.1 billion.
“I am owing the bank less than N100 million and I am paying as at when due because it is a long term loan,” Imoka said.
Source: Tribune
