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Lagos court resumes trial of $950,000 forex fraud allegations Nov 12

Published

5 months ago

August 13, 2024

Lagos court resumes trial of $950,000 forex fraud allegations Nov 12

The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos will, on November 12, resume the trial of five defendants for alleged conspiracy to defraud, and obtain $950,000 from a businessman, Nnamdi Ezenwa, under false pretence.

The businessman is the prosecution’s star witness, while first to fifth defendants are Chibueze Ojeh, Obinna Nwosu, Emeka Njoku, Castle Equipment & Logistic Ltd and the bank.

They are being prosecuted by Inspector-General of Police before Justice Deinde Dipeolu on a five-count amended charge in FHC/AWK/C/25/2020.

Ezenwa, managing director and chief executive officer of Vinna Investment Limited, alleged he was duped of the $950,000 in a fraudulent forex deal, a charge the defendants – three persons, a firm and a bank – denied during their arraignment earlier in the year.

At the resumed trial on July 23, prosecution counsel, Abdulmoruf Animashaun, who held the brief of Simon Lough (SAN) informed the court the defendants were being prosecuted on a third amended charge, adding the case ought to be expeditiously heard.

First prosecution witness Ezenwa said he was called sometime in 2014 by his account officer in the bank that a customer had $1.9 million to sell.

Led in evidence by the prosecutor, the witness said the account officer was aware Ezenwa needed dollars to send to Italy for importation of toothpaste.

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He testified that he called his company’s accountant to go to the bank’s Aba branch to confirm the situation. The latter did.

“I then went to meet the bank’s Branch manager, account officer and customer that wanted to sell the dollars, together with my company’s accountant.

“I bought the $1.9 million as recommended by UBA but $950,000 of it was fake.

“I demanded that my money be returned to me, but every effort proved abortive,” Ezenwa added.

When Dr. D.A. Awosika (SAN), counsel to first defendant, objected to the tendering of some documents, the prosecution counsel urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him regularise the position.

Justice Dipeolu adjourned till November 12 and 14.

Count two of the charge against the defendants read:

“That you, Chibueze Ojeh, ‘M’ 40 years, managing director and chief executive officer of Castle Equipment & Logistics Limited of Lekki County Homes, Westend Estate Road 4, House 4, Lekki Lagos State;

Obinna Nwosu ‘M’ 45 years of No. 1 Shofidiya Close, Adegoke Estate, Masha Roundabout, Surulere, Lagos, Emeka Njoku “M 41years, former Staff and marketer with United Bank for Africa Plc, of No. 3 Azikiwe Road, Port Harcourt, Castle Equipment & Logistics Ltd and United Bank for Africa Pic;

Onyinyechi Oraegbunem ‘F’ former branch manager of UBA Aba branch, and Pamela Onaga, former staff of UBA Plc Aba branch/account officer to Nnamdi Ezenwa, now at large, between April 3, 2013 and June 31, 2013 in Lagos and Aba, with intent to defraud Chief Nnamdi Ezenwa, managing director and chief executive officer of Vinna Investment deceitfully induced Chief Nnamdi Ezenwa that you have dollars to sell to him at a lower rate of N159.00 per dollar and deceitfully collected N294,150,000,00 equivalent to $1,850,000 from him on the pretence that you will transfer the dollars equivalent to his customers in Italy.

But having collected N294,150,000,00, you transferred only $900,000 equivalent to N143.100,000.00 and converted $950,000 Dollars, equivalent to N151,000,000.00 to your use.

You thereby committed offence contrary to Section 1(1) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.

Lagos court resumes trial of $950,000 forex fraud allegations Nov 12

metro

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

Published

10 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Nigerian Military Troop

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.

The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.

“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.

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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.

“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.

“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.

The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”

The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

metro

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

Published

10 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

An accident scene File photo

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.

Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.

“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.

“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.

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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.

“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.

“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.

“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.

The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.

“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN

metro

NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

Published

10 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.

He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.

Ogbuku said the NDDC was supporting the NDCCITMA to drive economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region by providing financial support, training and networking opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.

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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.

“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.

“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.

“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”