Lagos Businesswomen arraigned for ₦215 million fraud, money laundering

By Akin Kuponiyi

Two Lagos-based businesswomen, Blessing Chima, 47, and Williams Chikamson Amsy, 49, have been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations of advance fee fraud and money laundering amounting to ₦215 million.

The defendants were brought before Justice Lewis Allagoa following a four-count amended charge filed by the Police Legal Department, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Alagbon, Lagos.

The case was prosecuted by Barrister S.O. Ayodele.

According to the charge, Chima is accused of fraudulently obtaining ₦75 million from one Lanre Afebuameh under false pretences.

The prosecution alleged that on 4 and 5 July 2024, she deceived Afebuameh into believing she would exchange the sum for Chinese yen to be sent to his clients in China, a claim she allegedly knew to be false.

The charge further stated that Chima converted the funds to personal use, an act classified as theft under Nigerian law.

The prosecution contended that her actions violated Section 1(1)(c) and are punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Additionally, she was charged under Sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code Act for stealing.

In a related charge, Amsy has been accused of receiving and retaining ₦140 million, part of which belonged to Afebuameh, despite allegedly knowing that the money was proceeds of crime.

The charge asserted that Amsy acquired, used, and concealed the funds, violating Section 18(1) 2(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The prosecution further alleged that Amsy transferred the stolen funds to nominees and removed them from jurisdiction, actions deemed illegal under Sections 20(a) & (b) of the Money Laundering Act.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their arraignment, Justice Allagoa adjourned the case to 14 February 2025 for the commencement of trial.