On Monday, the Lagos Special Offences Court arraigned businessman Muhammad Lamido and his company, Aliqea Group UAE, over alleged N105m fraud.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission charged them with conspiracy, fraud, obtaining
by false pretense, and money laundering.
Prosecution counsel R. A. Abdulrasheed informed the court that the defendants committed the offenses on July 19, 2023, by conspiring to defraud First Right Enterprises of N105m.
Background
The prosecutor alleged that the defendant falsely claimed to possess the dollar equivalent of the amount for business organisation First Right Enterprises.
The anti-graft agency further accused the defendant and his company of money laundering, attempting to conceal N130,200,000 and N173m, respectively.
Despite pleading not guilty, the defendant informed the court about the filed bail application.
However, Abdulrasheed objected, stating concerns about the defendant’s appearance in court.
The defense counsel, Ogbeche, argued for bail, highlighting the defendant’s right and assurance of attendance, given his ongoing medical care at the EFCC facility.
Court’s decision
Justice Olubusola Okunuga scheduled the next hearing for December 13, 2023, deferring further proceedings on the matter.
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