By Gabriella Ogbu
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday arraigned three men; Saka Olubamishe, Omogoye Olusegun, and Olumuyiwa Adesina, before the Ikeja Special Offences Court for allegedly defrauding N29,386,500.
The trio is accused of deceiving victims by falsely claiming they could facilitate a dollar transfer to Copart Auto Auction in the United States.
They face charges of conspiracy, theft, and obtaining by false pretenses, with the alleged offenses taking place in Lagos in July 2023.
According to the EFCC’s prosecutor, B.M. Isha, the defendants conned Awolaja Sherri Ajibola and Akintoye Ganiyu out of the sum by promising to transfer the equivalent of N29,386,500 in dollars at a rate of N750 per dollar.
The defendants reportedly knew their claims were false.
The charges contravene sections of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State and the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty.
During proceedings, the prosecutor requested a trial date, while the defense lawyers—S.T. Ladokun, S.A. Oseni, and T.F. Makinde—submitted bail applications, requesting liberal terms.
Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe granted bail in the sum of N10 million each, with two sureties per defendant, also in the same amount.
The sureties must provide proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned until January 23, 2025, for trial proceedings.