Court remands popular GMD in N105m fraud case

By Sodiq Adelakun

The Group Managing Director for Aliqea Group UAE, Dr Muhammad Lamido has been remanded at the Kirikiri Medium Correctional Centre in Ikeja, Lagos State, Nigeria.

He is facing charges of alleged fraud amounting to N105 million. The charges were brought against him and his company, Aliqea Group UAE, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The prosecution counsel, Mr R.A. Abdulrasheed, accused Lamido of conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence and money laundering, which are offences under the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria. Lamido pleaded not guilty to the charges. During the court proceedings, Lamido’s defense counsel, Mr Peter Olomola, requested that his client be allowed to remain in EFCC custody, while the prosecution requested a trial date.

Olomola stated that they had responded to the bail options. However, Abdulrasheed objected to the bail application, arguing that the defendant might flee if granted bail.

He informed the court that he had filed a counter-affidavit opposing the grounds for bail. In response, Justice Okunuga ordered that Lamido be remanded at the Kirikiri facility and adjourned the case until December 13 to set a trial date.