19th March, 2024
A Lagos businessman, Mr Chinedu Igbokwe, on Tuesday, told an Ikeja Special Court how a Bureau de Change operator, Abdulami Isah, allegedly defrauded him of $63,950.
Igbokwe, who was led in evidence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Counsel, Mr A. A. Usman, said he was introduced to Isah on Oct 4, 2022, and by Oct. 6, he paid the defendant the said amount.
The witness said after he made the payment, he waited for them to remit the fund (naira equivalent) and when they were not forthcoming, he then went to meet them.
“They told me that Isah has received the money and when I met him, he confirmed that he has received and withdrew the fund.
“He paid the sum of N15.9 million and when I asked him what is happening he switched off his phone and I could not find him again.
“The pressure was much on me and I had to take money from my local textile business to pay people in other to keep my reputation.
“On Aug. 18, 2023, I petitioned EFCC and two days later, the commission acknowledged the petition and by Aug.25, the defendant was arrested.
“What surprised me most was when I visited EFCC office after the arrest, Isah opened to EFCC that he is a syndicate to Alli Baba,” Igbokwe said.
The witness further told the court that the payment was made through the international account number of the defendant.
He confirmed to the court that the defendant had refunded N15.9 million, while the outstanding was N26.5 million.
Isah is standing trial on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretense and fraud.
Justice Ismail Ijelu adjourned till April 22 for continuation of trial.
(NAN)