30-year-old Businessman Remanded Over Alleged Fraud

A 30-year-old businessman, Patrick Angulu was on Tuesday, remanded in a custodial centre by a Magistrates’ Court in Makurdi, for allegedly defrauding one Ifeanyi Ezenma of N6.7 million.

The defendant, who resides at No 29, Momo Sani Avenue, Gwagwalada, Abuja, is facing a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and advanced fee fraud.

The Magistrate, Mrs J.O Ayia, who did not take the plea of the defendant because of lack of jurisdiction, ordered his remand at the correctional centre in Makurdi.

The magistrate subsequently adjourned the case until April 2 for mention.

Earlier, the Prosecution Counsel, Sgt Isaac Ogwuche told the court that Ezenma reported the case at the ‘C’ Division Police Station, Makurdi on Feb. 22.

The complainant said Angulu came to his shopping complex at North bank area of Makurdi on Feb. 15, claiming to be the regional manager of SPA Beverages, a distributor of SPA bottle water and energy drinks.

He said the defendant advertised the products to him and also made him transfer the sum of N6.7 million to account number 6402115066, with the account name of Bull and Heifers enterprise.

The complainant further stated that the defendant then promised to supply him 6,400 packs of 75cl of SPA bottle water within 48hrs.

He said the complainant stated that instead of supplying the products, the defendant criminally conspired with several others and converted the money to their own use and absconded to an unknown destination.

The prosecutor said the defendant was arrested during police investigation for committing the offence while others are still at large.

He said the offences contravened Sections 8 (a) and 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.