EFCC arraigns businessman over alleged N24m fraud in Benin

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Oviri Oghenebrume Believe and his company, Grant Impex Nig. Ltd., on Tuesday, May 13, before Justice H. A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court in Warri, Delta State.

They face a one-count charge of advance fee fraud and obtaining by false pretence involving 30,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), valued at N24.3 million.

The charge states: “That you Oviri Oghenerume Believe… and Grant Impex Nig Ltd on or about the 7th day of October, 2022 in Warri… did obtain 30,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) valued at N24.3 [million] from Patrick Egogo… under the false pretence that you had an LPO given you by Africa Alpha Realization Ltd… which pretence you knew is false.”

Believe pleaded “not guilty.” Prosecution counsel Francis Jirbo requested a trial date and remand in a correctional centre, while the defence sought bail. Justice Nganjiwa granted bail at N5 million with a surety in the same amount. The defendant or surety must deposit a refundable N10 million in an interest-yielding account with the deputy court registrar. The surety must own landed property, with title documents verified by the court registrar and EFCC operatives.

The case was adjourned to July 16, with Believe remanded pending bail perfection. The EFCC alleges Believe obtained the diesel from Patrick Egogo of Solutions Patrick Nig. Enterprises Oil and Gas Supply, falsely claiming a Local Purchase Order from Africa Alpha Realisation Ltd.