The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned businessman Muhammad Lamido before the Lagos Special Offences Court in Ikeja, facing charges of conspiracy, obtaining by false pretense, and money laundering amounting to N105 million.
The alleged offences were said to have occurred on July 19, 2023. According to the prosecution counsel, R. A. Abdulrasheed, Lamido and his company, Aliqea Group UAE, conspired to defraud First Right Enterprises of N105 million. The businessman purportedly falsely claimed to possess the dollar equivalent of the amount for exchange with First Right Enterprises.
Additionally, Lamido and his company are accused of engaging in money laundering to conceal the sums of N130,200,000 and N173 million, respectively.
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Lamido’s counsel, Emmanuel Ogbeche, requested that his client remain in EFCC custody and informed the court of a bail application. However, the prosecution opposed the bail application, expressing concerns about the defendant’s potential non-appearance in court.
Justice Olubusola Okunuga adjourned the matter to December 13, 2023, taking into account both sides’ arguments.
