Nyeri Equity Bank staff in Sh30m theft case detained for three days to allow probe
From left, Equity Bank Othaya branch operations manager Michael Kagume, accountant Mophat Gathumbi and cash officer Ishmael Mwangi when they appeared in an Othaya court on October 12, 2015. They did not plead to charges of stealing Sh30.9 million. Police were given three more days to detain them as they complete their investigations. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI | NATION MEDIA GROUP
What you need to know:
- The three said they had given all the information they had to the police and asked the court to release them on reasonable bond terms.
- Investigating officer Patrick Oyalo on Monday told the court that there is documentary evidence showing the three collaborated with the thieves.
- The magistrate, however, ruled that the three be detained for three days and not seven days as the prosecution had requested.
Three Equity Bank employees accused of stealing Sh30.9 million will be detained for three more days to allow the prosecution to complete investigations.
Investigating officer Patrick Oyalo on Monday told the court that there is documentary evidence showing the three collaborated with the thieves and said if the court releases them on bond, it may jeopardize the case.
Mr Michael Kagume, Mr Ishmael Mwangi and Mr Mophat Gathumbi allegedly conspired and opened the strong room for three unidentified persons, who posed as auditors from the main office and stole Sh30,955,000.
The bank employees were appearing in court for the second time since they were arrested.
GAVE ALL INFORMATION
Through lawyers Macharia Waiganjo and Wabandi Gacheru, the three said they had given all the information they had to the police and asked the court to release them on reasonable bond terms.
“There is no basis for the detention of the accused persons, (and) neither has the investigating officer showed that the suspects will interfere with witnesses,” they told the court.
Mr Waiganjo and Mr Gacheru also said that if the prosecution had not found any substantial evidence to frame charges against the three, they can complete their investigations and later recall them and charge them with the offences.
“It is not the task of the accused persons to assist the police with investigations; it is the duty of the prosecution to come up with grounds to charge them,” they told the court.
The magistrate, however, ruled that the three be detained for three days and not seven days as the prosecution had requested.
The case will be mentioned on Wednesday.
