Court remands businessman in EFCC custody over alleged N20m fraud

An Ikeja Special Offences Court has ordered that a businessman, Solomon Idonije, be remanded in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N20 million foreign exchange fraud.

The EFCC charged Idonije with obtaining money under false pretences.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned the case until July 13 for a hearing on the bail application.

The EFCC had alleged that Idonije on December 21, 2020 in Lagos obtained the sum of N4.8million from Iyen Omowuiugbe for Forex Trade through Solomon Ace Forex Investments.

The anti- graft agency also alleged that Idonije on December 23, 2020 in Lagos, obtained N4.1million from Omowuiugbe.

Mr Ebuka Okongwu, who held the brief of the Prosecution Counsel, Mr Gabriel Akaogu, prayed the court for a trial date for the prosecution to resent its witnesses and evidence to prove the case against the defendant.

Defence lawyer Jonathan Okagbero, however informed the court of an application for the bail for the defendant.

The EFCC said the offence contravened the provisions sections 1(1) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.