By Adenike Lawal
A Federal High Court in Abuja has directed the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to present two foreign nationals, Etienne Rocher and Pawan Kapur, along with four others, for arraignment over an alleged N37.6 million fraud.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order after the defendants failed to appear in court despite being granted administrative bail.
The case, filed under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/504/2024, lists Tincan Island Container Terminal Ltd. and four individuals, including Maryam Olapade, as defendants.
Two others, Adigun Rasheed Akinkunmi and Raphael Ugbe, are also implicated.
The prosecution, led by the IGP, alleges that between April 2021 and August 2023, at the Nigerian Ports Authority, Tin-Can Island, Lagos, the defendants defrauded Chief Ifeanyi Ezenwabachili through false pretenses.
The charges include violations of the Advance Fee Fraud Act, the Criminal Code, and the Money Laundering Act.
Justice Abdulmalik warned that continued absence of the defendants could result in the dismissal of the charges for lack of diligent prosecution.
The case has been adjourned to February 5, 2025, for arraignment.
This case underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and ensure justice for victims.
