Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Henry Owen
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Head of the Bullion Unit at Access Bank, James Katung Kantiyok, over allegations of unlawfully possessing $105,000 and ₦2 million, said to be proceeds of criminal breach of trust.
Kantiyok was brought before Justice M.J. Zubairu of the Federal High Court in Gombe on a seven-count charge filed by the EFCC’s Gombe Zonal Directorate. Prosecutors allege that the bank official illegally retained funds belonging to the bank between April 2024 and June 2025, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
According to the charges, Kantiyok “knowingly or reasonably ought to have known” that the money in his possession—both in dollars and naira—formed part of the proceeds of unlawful activity, including criminal breach of trust.
The defendant pleaded not guilty, prompting EFCC counsel Abubakar Aliyu to request that he be remanded while awaiting trial. Defence lawyer Luka Musa, however, informed the court of a pending bail application which the prosecution had already received.
After hearing both sides, Justice Zubairu granted Kantiyok ₦17 million bail with strict conditions. One surety must be a Directorate-level public servant, while the second must be a reputable resident of Gombe State. The defendant is also required to surrender his international passport and report to the EFCC office in Gombe—or another state of his choice—on the last Friday of every month.
The judge warned that Kantiyok must notify the EFCC before travelling outside the court’s jurisdiction.
The case has been adjourned to March 3 and 4, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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