The Inspector General of Police has filed charges against Nigerian businessman Ebi Otisaye Ogionwo for allegedly obtaining $300,000 by false pretenses and theft.
The charges, presented before the Federal High Court in Lagos by legal officer S.O. Ayodele from the Federal Criminal Investigation Department, stem from a 2022 incident involving Mr. Oluwatosin Adefila of Beltzemo Nigeria Limited.
According to the police, Ogionwo fraudulently obtained the sum of $300,000 from Mr. Adefila in 2022. The businessman allegedly claimed that the funds would be used to finance an oil trading business. However, the police maintain that this representation was false and that Ogionwo had no intention of using the money for the stated purpose.
As a result of these allegations, Ogionwo has been charged with violating Section 1 (1) (c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006, which carries a punishment under Section 1 (3) of the same act. In addition to the fraud charges, Ogionwo also faces charges of theft under Section 383 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. If found guilty, he could face penalties under Section 390 (9) of the same act.
The Federal High Court has scheduled Ogionwo’s arraignment for October 14, 2024. If convicted, the businessman could face significant fines and potential imprisonment for the alleged fraudulent activities. The outcome of this case could serve as a deterrent to others who may be considering engaging in similar fraudulent schemes.