EFCC arrests 200 BDC operators for alleged forex fraud – Newstrends
Connect with us

Business

EFCC arrests 200 BDC operators for alleged forex fraud

Published

11 months ago

on

EFCC arrests 200 BDC operators for alleged forex fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested over 200 suspects in connection with foreign exchange scams and manipulation of the financial markets.

Sources privy to the development but were not authorised to speak to The PUNCH on Wednesday that over 200 suspected Bureau De Change operators were in EFCC custody across the country.

One of the sources revealed, “Over 200 suspects have been arrested by the EFCC for forex scam and currency speculation. Not all the arrested suspects are in Abuja or at our headquarters because they were arrested in various states across the country.”

Another source noted, “I can confirm that we have arrested over 200 people for foreign exchange scam and manipulation of the financial markets; they are all being interrogated by our investigators to determine the degrees of their involvements. Most of them were arrested in Abuja, Lagos, Rivers, and Kano States.”

Also, a third source stated, “The clampdown on the forex scammers would yield positive results. Many of them have been arrested, and they will face the consequences of their actions.”

The PUNCH reported last week that the EFCC expanded its clampdown exercise on BDC operators, arresting traders in Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt.

The raid of the BDC operators is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to tame the free fall of the local currency.

READ ALSO:

The government blamed the actions of speculators in the forex market and digital marketing sphere for the significant depreciation of the naira.

On Friday, May 17, operatives of the Uyo Zonal command of the EFCC arrested five suspected forex speculators at the Ama-Hausa mosque, along Hospital Road, Aba in Abia State.

The arrested suspects are: Hassan Umaru; Haruna Umar, Badamasi Abdullahi, Auwal Muhammed and Kasimu Muhammed.

The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, in a statement, revealed that the suspects had different currencies in varied sums at the point of arrest.

Oyewale said, “The recovered currencies are: 23,000 Won (Korean currency), 52 (Yuan Chinese currency),  $6, 500 Nippon Ginko, 40 notes of Dalawampung Piso (Philippines currency), 20 Gambian Dalasis, 20 Swaziland currency and N382,000.

 “Other recovered items from them are seven mobile phones, one power bank, one air pod, and one ATM card.

 “They were arrested by operatives of the command, following weeks of surveillance and credible intelligence. The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

READ ALSO:

In another development, Oyewale revealed that the Enugu Zonal Command of the EFCC arraigned Daniel Chukwuka Koussou, a forex broker, before Justice C. O. Ajah of the State High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.

He was arraigned on a one-count charge bordering on criminal conversion and stealing of N112.8m.

The lone count charge reads: “That you, Daniel Chuwuka Koussou sometime in July 2022, in Enugu, Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did commit a felony to wit: stealing by fraudulently converting to your use the sum of N112, 800, 800.00 (one hundred and twelve million, eight hundred thousand, eight hundred naira), property of Chinedu Igbokwe and thereby committed an offence.”

The offence is contrary to Section 342 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30 of the Laws of Enugu State and punishable under Section 353 (1) of the same Law.

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him and was thereafter remanded at the Enugu State Correctional facility pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

Oyewale disclosed, “Koussou was arrested following claims of a petitioner, who alleged that he sent $276,000 to the defendant, a supposed agent for Providus Bank, to convert into naira and return same.

 “According to the petitioner, on July 6, 2022, Providus Bank paid Koussou the full money in naira but the defendant sent part-payment of N21,759,771 to him (the petitioner) and diverted the rest for his personal use.  All efforts made to get him to pay up proved abortive.”

EFCC arrests 200 BDC operators for alleged forex fraud

Related Topics:
Advertisement

Business

More heads to roll in NNPCL, subsidiaries as Ojulari assumes office

Published

2 days ago

on

April 3, 2025

By

Engineer Bashir Bayo Ojulari

More heads to roll in NNPCL, subsidiaries as Ojulari assumes office

There are indications that more heads will roll in the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL and its subsidiaries as Engineer Bayo Ojulari yesterday assumed office as the new Group Chief Executive Officer.

This was even as the management and staff of NNPC Ltd welcomed the appointment of a new GCEO Officer and Board of Directors for the company by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, checks Vanguard showed that the reorganisation would start from the corporate headquarters to the subsidiaries, including Upstream, Gas and Power, new Energy, Downstream and Non-Energy businesses.
The checks indicated that the reorganisation would be targeted at ensuring that round pegs are placed into round holes based on the commitment of the new leadership to achieve national goals and objectives in the oil and gas industry.

READ ALSO:

It was confirmed that the businesses to be impacted include the NNPC E&P Limited (NEPL), NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), NNPC Energy Services Limited (EnServ), NNPC Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), NNPC New Energy Limited (NNEL), NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), and NNPC Gas & Power Investment Services (NGPIS).

They also include NNPC Trading Limited (NTL) NNPC Retail Limited (NRL), NNPC Shipping Limited (NSL), NNPC RefChem Limited (NRCL), NNPC Downstream Investment Services (NDIS), Nigerian Pipelines and Storage Company Limited (NPSC), National Energy Reserve Management Company (NERMC), NNPC Non-Energy Investment Services (NNIS), NNPC Foundation Limited/Gte, NNPC Academy, NNPC Properties Limited (NPL), and Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and Research Technology and Innovation (RTI).

 

More heads to roll in NNPCL, subsidiaries as Ojulari assumes office

Continue Reading

Business

NNPCL hikes petrol pump price to N950/litre

Published

2 days ago

on

April 3, 2025

By

NNPCL hikes petrol pump price to N950/litre

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has raised petrol prices to N925 per litre in Lagos and N950 per litre in Abuja, effective April 2, 2025.

This represents an N65 increase from the previous price of N860 per litre in Lagos and an N70 increase from the previous price of N880 in the North.

Last week, MRS and other independent marketers increased the price of petrol, raising its pump price to ₦930 per litre in Lagos and ₦960 for residents living in the northern part of the country.

Industry experts stated that the new increase is a direct fallout of the recent suspension of sales of petroleum products in naira by the Dangote refinery.

The adjustment reflects changes in Nigeria’s deregulated fuel market, including competition, supply costs, and global oil price trends.

It also coincides with the appointment of new leadership at the national oil firm, NNPCL, by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday. The board was also restructured.

READ ALSO:

The NNPCL retail stations in Fadeyi, Ago Palace Way, and Ogba, as well as the NNPC station on College Road, have adjusted their prices to N925.

In Ikeja, outlets on Acme Road and the Lagos-Abeokuta Motorway have also raised their pump prices to the new rate.

However, due to logistical delays, not all NNPC stations in Lagos may have updated their prices simultaneously.

In the Federal Capital Territory, the national oil firm station located along the Kubwa motorway upped its price to N950 from N880 per litre. Other stations along Wuse effected the same increase.

This adjustment follows months of price competition. In March 2025, NNPC dropped their pricing to N860 per litre, matching Dangote Refinery’s lower rates.

However, due to rising global oil prices, exchange rate fluctuations, and changes in crude oil sourcing costs, NNPC has now revised prices upward.

Earlier in 2025, NNPC had supplied petrol at N925 per litre in December 2024 before various price adjustments.

The present rate in Lagos remains cheaper than in certain other places, including Abuja, where rates recently stood at ₦880 per litre.

NNPCL hikes petrol pump price to N950/litre

Continue Reading

Auto

Toyota corporation taps on Winpart by CFAO to distribute CWorks batteries in Nigeria 

Published

2 days ago

on

April 3, 2025

By

Toyota corporation taps on Winpart by CFAO to distribute CWorks batteries in Nigeria 

 

Leading distributor and importer of high-quality automotive spare parts and lubricants in Nigeria, Winpart by CFAO, has commenced the distribution of Cworks batteries in Nigeria.

Cworks is a premium automotive battery brand from Toyota Tsusho Corporation.

The battery introduction, the company says, marks a new era of reliability, durability, and high performance for Nigerian motorists and businesses.
The firm in a statement obtained by Newstrends says as an official distributor and importer of top-quality automotive spare parts, Winpart by CFAO has continued to bring globally trusted brands to Nigeria, ensuring that vehicle owners and businesses have access to world-class solutions.

Developed under the renowned Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Cworks batteries are engineered to deliver superior power, a longer lifespan, and consistent performance in all driving conditions.

Winpart by CFAO says CWorks is a product of “renowned Toyota Tsusho excellence, designed to meet global automotive standards; long-lasting performance, built for durability and resilience on Nigerian roads and weather conditions.”
The company disclosing that the batteries are now available through Winpart by CFAO outlets added that the product would facilitate “reliable power supply, ensuring smooth engine starts and sustained power for all vehicle types”.
General Manager of Winpart by CFAO, Mohamed TALEB, said, “We are excited to introduce Cworks batteries to Nigerian motorists. As a brand from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, Cworks battery reflects the same commitment to quality and performance that Toyota is known for worldwide.

“With Winpart by CFAO, Nigerians can now enjoy a battery that delivers reliability, longevity, and value.”

According to the firm, through Winpart by CFAO, Cworks batteries will be available across Nigeria via authorized dealers and service centres, ensuring easy access to high-quality battery solutions.
The company added that more information on CWORKS Batteries, can be obtained from its website- www.winpart.com.ng.

Continue Reading

Trending