The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned three men before an Ikeja Special Offences Court for obtaining N84.8m under false pretences.
The defendants, Yahuza Sulaman, Rasaq Garba and Ashiru Tsoho, are facing a three-count charge bordering on stealing, obtaining money under false pretences and conspiracy before Justice Rahman Oshodi.
The first to third defendants were represented at the trial by A.H. Maude, Pascal Ugwu and Michael Ona.
Led in evidence by EFCC prosecuting counsel, U.S. Kyari, the complainant, Auwanu Ibrahim, an oil and gas businessman, told the court that in March 2023, he was informed about the availability of 225,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), contained in five trucks.
Ibrahim said he expressed interest in purchasing the product and negotiated with the parties involved, eventually agreeing on N42,952,500.
According to him, the product was not delivered on the agreed date.
Instead, he said he was given excuses, while the removal of the fuel subsidy led to a significant increase in the price of petrol.
Ibrahim told the court that he later contacted Ashiru Tsoho on the development and asked how the product would be delivered at the new price.
He said Ashiru initially informed him that they would obtain the product at the former price, but he became suspicious because, based on his experience in the oil and gas business, such an arrangement was unrealistic.
The complainant further stated that Ashiru later informed him that they had reached an agreement with their boss in Abuja and that he would need to pay ?84,870,000 for the five trucks.
Ibrahim said he made the payment into an account belonging to OVH.
The witness said the earlier payment was made into an account bearing the name Luxury Comfort Enterprise but which later allegedly resulted in repeated excuses while no refund was made.
He told the court that he specifically requested an account bearing a company name that could be traced.
He said Ashiru allegedly instructed him to use ‘Rasaq’ as the payment remark, which is the name of the second defendant.
However, after the expected delivery date passed without the product being supplied, Ibrahim said he reported the matter to the Police Area Command.
He added that several attempts to reach Ashiru were unsuccessful, after which his account was reportedly blocked.
According to the complainant, the development prompted Ashiru to appear at the police station.
Following questioning by the police, he allegedly transferred ?42,952,500 to Ibrahim, promising to provide two trucks of PMS.
Ibrahim, however, alleged that the two trucks were never supplied.
He subsequently reported the matter to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation, which eventually led to the apprehension of the defendants.
The matter has been adjourned until October 29, this year, for ruling on the bail application of the third defendant and continuation of trial.