EFCC Prosecutes BDC Operator in Alleged $63,950 Fraud Case, Trial Adjourned
Mr. Chinedu Igbokwe, a businessman based in Lagos, recounted his ordeal in court as he testified against Abdulami Isah, a Bureau de Change operator accused of defrauding him of $63,950.
Igbokwe, led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Counsel, Mr. A. A. Usman, narrated that he was introduced to Isah on October 4, 2022. By October 6, he had already paid the defendant the said amount.
After making the payment, Igbokwe expected the funds (naira equivalent) to be remitted promptly. However, when the remittance did not materialize, he confronted Isah, who confirmed receiving and withdrawing the funds.
Isah allegedly paid N15.9 million but then disappeared, leading Igbokwe to borrow money from his local textile business to maintain his reputation and pay his obligations.
Feeling the pressure, Igbokwe filed a petition with the EFCC on August 18, 2023. The commission swiftly acknowledged the petition and arrested the defendant on August 25, 2023.
During the EFCC investigation, Isah allegedly confessed to being part of a syndicate led by a person known as Alli Baba, surprising Igbokwe with the revelation.
The businessman disclosed that the payment was made through the defendant’s international account number. Isah has since refunded N15.9 million, leaving an outstanding balance of N26.5 million.
Isah is facing a three-count charge of obtaining by false pretense and fraud. The trial is set to continue on April 22, 2024, under the jurisdiction of Justice Ismail Ijelu.
PM News
