EFCC arrests 6 persons over fraud in Sokoto

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Sokoto Office has arrested six persons for alleged fraudulent activities in the state. Three of suspects, who allegedly conspired and obtained N4.66 million by false pretences from a complainant “were arrested by EFCC operatives in a commando style operation while trying to extort additional sum of N105,000 from […]

The Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Sokoto Office has arrested six persons for alleged fraudulent activities in the state.

Three of suspects, who allegedly conspired and obtained N4.66 million by false pretences from a complainant “were arrested by EFCC operatives in a commando style operation while trying to extort additional sum of N105,000 from their victim,” EFCC zonal Head in charge of Sokoto Kebbi and Zamfara States Abdullahi Lawal disclosed.

He said the commission on March 17 received a petition wherein the complainant alleged that about three to four months back, one Aisha of Mabera Area took her to the prime suspect Yakubu Ibrahim for prayers to enable her business grow.

Lawal added: “The suspect demanded money to connect her with his spirits so that she can become extremely rich.”

According to him, preliminary investigation showed that the suspect conspired with two others, simply identified as Suleiman and Ibrahim.

He said the suspects collected the money ranging between N157,000 to N145,000 on different occasions from the victim.

In another development, the Zonal Head said  the commission also arrested one John Mobuse and Martha Okotie who allegedly created a website for PTDA scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate awards.

He said  Mobuse and Okotie were arrested in Akure, Ondo State and Warri, Delta State respectively.

Lawal explained that they deceived students into paying the sum of N2,000 into an account for the awards in Nigeria Colleges of Education, Polytechnics and University for 2019/2020 Academic Session.

He revealed: “The principal suspect admitted to receiving over N1.5 million from unsuspecting victims across the country using Okotie’s account as a conduit for receiving the monies.”

Also, one Etsano Amaju, who allegedly claimed to be an agent meant to deliver an Apple laptop sold at N45,000 to one Dalhatu Ladan has been arrested, he said.

He said the suspect admitted to receiving the said sum and utilising it for personal use.

He said all the suspects would soon be charged to court.