The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has intensified its crackdown on fraud-related activities, with two major operations reported on Wednesday.
In Abuja, EFCC arrested an unnamed suspected internet fraudster at No. 25 Aliyu Modibbo Street, Guzape Hills, following credible intelligence about his involvement in cybercrime.
Items recovered from the suspect included a 2019 Range Rover Velar, $4,100, N2 million in cash, an AP silver wristwatch, two mobile phones, and a laptop. The suspect is expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, in Maiduguri, the EFCC’s Zonal Directorate arraigned one Bukar Umar Alhaji before Justice Muhammad Maina of the Borno State High Court on charges of obtaining by pretence and criminal misappropriation amounting to two million one hundred thousand Naira.
According to the charges, the defendant, alongside an accomplice now at large, fraudulently obtained the sum under the guise of selling two plots of land in Mafa Local Government Area, Borno State, despite knowing the claim was false.
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
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Prosecuting counsel Faruk Muhammad requested a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in custody.
Justice Maina granted the request, setting December 4, 2024, for the commencement of the trial. The defendant was remanded in the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Facility.
