By Peter Jene, Senior National Correspondent
Gombe Zonal Command Brings Fraudster to Justice, While Ilorin Zonal Command Nabs Internet Fraudsters and Herbalist in Kofi
ABUJA, Nigeria — In a resolute stride against financial malfeasance, the Gombe Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Zakariyau Yahaya before Justice Benjamin Manji of High Court 9 at the Adamawa State High Court, Yola. The charges levied against Yahaya involve criminal misappropriation and obtaining the sum of N67,080,000.00 under false pretenses.
The charge detailed that Zakariyau Yahaya, at a point in 2022 in Yola, Adamawa State, allegedly converted the sum of N67,080,000.00 meant for the purchase of cotton seeds to his own use. The funds, belonging to Alh. Umar Zuhairu, were intended for a legitimate transaction but were allegedly misappropriated by the defendant. Yahaya pleaded not guilty to the charge, delivered in Hausa language.
Prosecution counsel M.O Tijani, seeking a swift trial, requested the court to remand the defendant at a Correctional Centre. In response, defense counsel Johnson Altajir informed the court of a bail application already submitted. Justice Manji, considering both requests, adjourned the matter to March 11, 2024, for the hearing of the bail application and April 8 & 9 for the commencement of the trial. The defendant was remanded at a Correctional Centre.
Yahaya was arrested on charges that he had taken N67,080,000.00 from a petitioner by pretending to supply maize and cotton seeds—a transaction that was allegedly never completed.
In a separate operation, the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Command has achieved notable progress in Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, proving its dedication to fighting various types of criminal activity. 48 suspected online scammers and a herbalist were detained by the command for their alleged involvement in conspiracy and false pretences crimes.
The male suspects, who range in age from 17 to 34, were apprehended on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at many sites in Lokoja, on the basis of reliable information obtained. Known as the spiritual mentor of online scammers, the herbalist was caught in possession of various charms.
Among the items taken from the suspects are charms, 83 cell phones, two motorcycles, eleven laptops, and ten luxury automobiles. These results highlight the complex network of illegal activity that the EFCC is committed to breaking up. Following the conclusion of the investigations, the suspects will be charged in court.
The EFCC, under its continuous operations, remains dedicated to the fight against corruption, financial fraud, and associated crimes in Nigeria. The commission’s dedication to enforcing justice, safeguarding citizens, and eliminating illicit financial activity from the country is reaffirmed by these latest arrests and legal measures.
The EFCC is working nonstop to make sure that those who commit financial crimes bear the consequences of their conduct and to create a more transparent and safe environment for all Nigerians as the investigations and judicial proceedings move forward.
