EFCC Arraigns Three for N3.3 Million Fraud in Maiduguri

On Thursday, September 19, 2024, the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned three individuals before the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri. Hamza Dauda Umar, Abdulrahman Goni, and Abdulmutalib Abdullahi faced a 12-count charge of fraud-related offenses, including obtaining money by false pretenses, criminal breach of trust, conspiracy, forgery, and using forged documents as genuine. The total amount involved was N3.3 million.

One of the charges, count five, accused the trio of conspiring to commit mischief in December 2023, a violation of Sections 59 and 60 of the Borno State Penal Code Law. The charges carry severe penalties, and during the hearing before Justice Muhammad Maina, the accused pleaded not guilty. The prosecution team, led by Mukhtar Ali Ahmed, S.O Saka, and Faruk Muhammad, requested a trial date. Justice Maina subsequently adjourned the case until September 25, 2024, and remanded the defendants to the Maiduguri Correctional Centre.

Separate Arraignment for N21.9 Million Misappropriation Case

In another proceeding on the same day, the EFCC arraigned two additional suspects, Ahmed Saleh Mubi and Goni Bukar Ali, at the Borno State High Court on separate charges of criminal misappropriation. Mubi is accused of dishonestly misappropriating N19.6 million out of a larger sum entrusted to him for the sale of CFA 45,000 and 14 motorcycles, an offense allegedly committed between December 2019 and March 2020. His actions were said to contravene Section 308 of the Penal Code and carry penalties under Section 309.

Ali, on the other hand, was charged with misappropriating N2.27 million between 2015 and 2018. The money, which belonged to Modu Kime, had been entrusted to Ali for a grain-buying business. The misappropriation charge against Ali also falls under Sections 311 and 312 of the Penal Code. Both defendants pleaded not guilty, and their cases were also adjourned to September 25, 2024, with the court remanding them in the Maiduguri Correctional Centre.

EFCC’s Fight Against Economic Crimes in Borno State

The arraignment of these five defendants highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat financial crimes across Nigeria. With cases ranging from conspiracy and forgery to criminal breach of trust and misappropriation, the Commission continues to hold individuals accountable for fraudulent activities that undermine public trust and the economy. The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate has remained particularly active, targeting various financial crimes in the region, including those involving significant sums of money.

As the trial dates approach, the court proceedings are expected to provide more insight into the depth of the fraudulent activities. The outcomes of these cases will not only serve as a deterrent to potential offenders but will also reinforce the EFCC’s commitment to upholding financial integrity in both public and private sectors across Borno State.

Also in Abuja EFCC Arrests 29 Suspected Internet Fraudsters

Operatives of the Abuja Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested 29 suspected internet fraudsters on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. The arrests took place in various locations within the Gwagwalada area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) following credible intelligence linking the individuals to cybercrime activities. According to the EFCC, the operation was conducted as part of ongoing efforts to combat the growing menace of internet fraud in Nigeria, particularly in urban centers like Abuja.

The suspects are alleged to have been involved in different types of internet scams, ranging from phishing attacks to romance scams targeting victims both locally and internationally. The EFCC emphasized that the crackdown was the result of meticulous surveillance and intelligence-gathering efforts, which enabled them to track down the individuals responsible for these fraudulent schemes.

EFCC Recovers 32 Phones; Suspects to Face Charges

In addition to arresting the 29 suspects, EFCC operatives also seized 32 mobile phones of various brands from the suspects during the operation. These phones are believed to have been used to execute fraudulent schemes and will be key evidence in the investigation. The EFCC revealed that the confiscated devices will undergo forensic analysis to extract further information that could help in the prosecution of the suspects.

The commission has assured the public that the suspects will be charged to court once investigations are concluded. The EFCC is determined to bring those involved in internet fraud to justice, reinforcing its commitment to cleansing the country of financial crimes. This latest operation underscores the agency’s relentless pursuit of cybercriminals and highlights its role in safeguarding Nigeria’s digital landscape