EFCC Arraigns Fake NNPCL Director for N100m Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ibrahim Nuhu Shuaibu before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court on charges of fraud. Shuaibu faces a seven-count indictment, including criminal breach of trust, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretenses, totaling N100 million. The charges against him by EFCC involve serious allegations of defrauding individuals and misrepresenting himself as a high-ranking official of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

In one of the charges, Shuaibu, alongside a now-deceased accomplice, allegedly conspired in 2017 to commit an illegal act, specifically obtaining money under false pretenses. This charge, punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006, reflects the gravity of the offenses Shuaibu is accused of. Another significant charge accuses him of defrauding Faisal Safiyanu in 2018 by falsely claiming he could supply petroleum products, resulting in a loss of N47,050,000.

Defendant’s Response and Court Proceedings

Upon being read the charges, Shuaibu pleaded “not guilty” to all counts. This plea has led to the prosecution counsel, M. Lawal, requesting the court to set a date for trial. The defendant’s legal representation, AbdulKareem Audu, did not file a bail application, which led Justice Khobo to order Shuaibu’s remand in EFCC custody. The court’s decision underscores the serious nature of the charges and the need for judicial proceedings to address the allegations thoroughly.

Background of the Fraudulent Scheme

The case against Shuaibu dates back to 2017, when he allegedly posed as the Group Executive Director of NNPCL to defraud his victim. Shuaibu promised to procure over 2,000 liters of petroleum products for the victim, who then transferred the agreed amount in several bank transactions. Despite receiving the funds, Shuaibu failed to deliver the products or refund the money, marking a clear breach of trust and further evidence of his fraudulent activities. This case highlights ongoing issues with financial crimes and the importance of stringent legal actions to deter such activities.

While Also In Kaduna State EFCC Secures Conviction of Two Internet Fraudsters

Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court has delivered a significant verdict in the fight against internet fraud, convicting and sentencing Nathaniel David Akogun and Samuel Oduma. The court proceedings, held in Kaduna, saw both individuals found guilty of serious offenses related to internet fraud and impersonation. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) prosecuted Akogun and Oduma on separate one-count charges, each involving deceptive practices intended to defraud unsuspecting victims.

Samuel Oduma, known online as Loius Tomlinson, was charged with impersonating a UK celebrity on Instagram. The prosecution established that in January 2023, Oduma used this false identity to deceive people, which is a violation of Section 142(1) of the Penal Code Law, 2017 of Kaduna State. The court’s verdict was clear: Oduma was sentenced to three years in prison or an alternative fine of N400,000. In addition, he was ordered to forfeit his iPhone 11 Pro to the federal government.

Nathaniel David Akogun, operating under the alias T.D Jakes Official, faced charges for impersonating a foreign individual interested in online dating through Facebook. This offense was similarly deemed a breach of Section 142(1) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law. Akogun was sentenced to one year in prison or a fine of N350,000. Additionally, he forfeited his iPhone 7 Plus and Huawei P30 Lite. Both sentences underscore the court’s commitment to curbing internet fraud and holding offenders accountable for their actions.

Court Rulings Highlight EFCC’s Ongoing Anti-Fraud Efforts

The convictions of Akogun and Oduma mark another step in the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat internet fraud and uphold justice. The court’s decisive actions against these fraudsters reflect a broader commitment to tackling cybercrime and protecting the public from financial deception. The sentences not only serve as a punishment but also as a deterrent to others involved in similar illicit activities.

The forfeiture of personal electronic devices, such as smartphones, further emphasizes the court’s approach to ensuring that the perpetrators are deprived of the tools used to facilitate their crimes. These measures, combined with the financial penalties, are aimed at both punishing the offenders and preventing the recurrence of such fraudulent activities. The EFCC’s rigorous pursuit of justice in these cases demonstrates its role in safeguarding economic integrity and reinforcing legal standards in Nigeria.