Crime
Alleged N950m fraud: Court adjourns trial of two suspected forex fraudsters till Oct 28
Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Monday, July 1, 2024, adjourned till October 28, 2024 further hearing in the trial of one Alhaji Usman Abubakar and Young Alhaji Foundation over an alleged N950m forex fraud.
Abubakar, alongside Young Alhaji Foundation, is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on a five-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing to the tune of N950 million.
One of the counts reads: “Alhaji Usman Abubakar, Young Alhaji Foundation and Dr. Abu Omer Fawaz (at large), sometime in September 2022, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to obtain the sum of N950, 000,000 from Ano Farms Limited under the false pretence that you had the dollar equivalent of the said sum, which pretence you knew to be false.”
Another count reads: “Alhaji Usman Abubakar and Young Alhaji Foundation, on the 20th of September 2022, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, attempted to dishonestly convert the sum of N180,000,000.00 (One Hundred and Eighty Million Naira), property of Ano Farms Limited to the use of Abdullahi Mohammed.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when he was first arraigned on February 22, 2023.
Under cross-examination by counsel to the second defendant, G. C. Ugwunweze at Monday proceedings, the first prosecution witness, PW1, Niyi Oyewole, who is the nominal complainant and Managing Director of Ano Farms Limited, again reaffirmed his testimony that Fawaz linked him up with the defendant and that he, thereafter, transferred the money to him. He, however, stated that when the dollar equivalent was not forthcoming, Fawaz told him that Young Alhaji had been instructed to return the funds.
During the proceedings, Ugwunweze tendered some documents regarding a related case before the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ajah as well as a letter to the bank on payment instruction.
They were admitted as exhibits p4, p5 and p6, respectively.
Justice Dada adjourned the case till October 28 and 29, 2024 for continuation of trial.
By Adeyanju Esther
The Nigeria Police Force, through its NPF National Cybercrime Centre, has apprehended Ubani Zion Chibuike, also known as ZFancy, at an apartment in Wuye, Abuja.
The arrest comes in response to viral videos circulating on social media, alleging ZFancy’s involvement in serious crimes, including rape, causing widespread concern among the public.
ZFancy later claimed that the videos were staged and intended to attract attention following a hiatus. Despite his explanation, such actions carry significant consequences and cannot be disregarded lightly.
The Nigeria Police Force has emphasised its commitment to public safety and accountability, ensuring individuals are held responsible for actions that provoke fear or disrupt public tranquillity.
The Police has issued a stern warning to pranksters and content creators, urging compliance with the law and caution in producing content that could threaten public safety or compromise national security.
As legal proceedings progress, the public is urged to remain composed, assured that appropriate measures are being taken in this case.
By Adeyanju Esther
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has apprehended several suspected kidnappers in the Gwagwa and Dei-Dei areas of the territory.
The arrests were made by operatives from the Utako division acting on credible intelligence between June 30 and July 3, 2024.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer on Thursday, SP Josephine Adeh, the suspects were identified as Umar Abdullahi, also known as Auta, Likita Abubakar, Salisu Sani, Sabiu Mohammed, and Aliyu Suleiman.
They were apprehended in connection with a kidnapping incident that occurred in Gwagwa on June 12, 2024, during which two residents were killed and a ransom of 12 million naira was collected from the victim’s family.
The suspects are also allegedly involved in several other kidnappings and criminal activities within the Capital Territory.
Upon their arrest, law enforcement recovered four AK-47 rifles, a Dane gun, two magazines, and eight unexpended live ammunition from the suspects. All suspects have reportedly confessed to their involvement in the crimes.
While investigations continue, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh, psc, mni, has reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the security and safety of residents.
The recovery of weapons and the apprehension of the suspects mark a significant step in the ongoing efforts to combat crime and maintain law and order in the FCT.
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Three suspects, Babatunde Taiwo (28), Adeyemi Jamiu (34) and Yunusa Saheed (21) have been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court over allegations of assault and obstruction of duty.
The trio allegedly assaulted officials of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC).
According to the charge sheet, the defendants committed the offences at the Ogo Oluwa Area, Osogbo, on June 20, 2024.
They were accused of seriously assaulting three IBEDC staff, Abeebullah Asiru, Adejumo Dasola and Dosumu Raphael, while performing their lawful duties.
The trio were also accused of attacking the victims and preventing them performing their lawful duties.
They were also charged for allegedly beating and injuring the IBEDC staff.
The offence according to the charge was contrary to and punishable under Section 517, 509, 249 (d), 145, 356, and 338 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11 Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.
But, the suspects pleaded not guilty to the allegations slammed against them.
Defence Counsels, Okobe Najite, Tubosun Oladipo, and Funsho Muritala applied for the bail of the accused persons in the liberal term.
In his ruling, Magistrate Segun Ayilara granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties.
Ayilara directed that the sureties must be a civil servant and relative of the suspects and must be resident within Osogbo.
He, thereafter, adjourned the case till July 17, 2024
In a similar case, Tiamiyu Opeyemi was also charged for allegedly threatening to kill one Mr. Olawami Ayodele, an IBEDC official, with a cutlass one of IBEDC officials when he was carrying out his official duty.
Opeyemi (37), was said to have committed the offence at Zone 12 back of Capital area, Osogbo on July 2, 2023.
The offence, according to the contravened Section 81(6) and 249(d) of Criminal Code Cap.34 Vol.II Laws of Osun State Nigeria 2002.
He pleaded not guilty and was subsequently granted bail in the sum of N250,000 with one surety. The case was later adjourned till August 2, 2024 for hearing.
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