EDOZIE, JCA (Delivering the Leading Judgment): The appellant, Benjamin Udeozor Osondu, was on 20th July, 1998 arraigned before the defunct Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Tribunal, Kano Zone II (hereinafter referred to as the Failed Banks Tribunal simplicitier) on allegations contained in an 8 count charges which as subsequently amended read as follows:-
"Count 1:
That you Benjamin Udeozor Osondu between the 2nd July, 1996 and the 5th August, 1996 at Lagos within the jurisdiction of the Failed Banks (Recovery of Debts) and Financial Malpractices in Banks Tribunal conspired with persons unknown to commit a felony to wit, stealing the sum of $951,070.69 American Dollars, the property of PASCO (Panama) S.A and depositing it in diverse accounts at Citizens International Bank Limited, Diamond Bank Limited and Chartered Bank Limited in Lagos and thereby committed an of offence contrary to section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 77, Laws of the Federation …