The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended a 45-year-old man for fraudulently obtaining 18 bags of rice from a businessman under the guise of distributing them to the needy.
The suspect, identified as Nnamani Joseph, allegedly approached a businessman on February 14, 2024, Valentine’s Day, at a church premises in Ogui, Enugu suburb. Claiming to intend to use the rice for charity, he convinced the businessman to supply 18 bags of 25 kg rice worth N400,000.
Trusting his story, the businessman supplied the rice and accompanied the suspect to the bank for payment through a bank transfer. However, while waiting in the banking hall, the suspect disappeared and returned to the church, making away with the bags of rice.
Confirming the incident on Monday, the command’s spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, stated that the suspect was apprehended on February 20, 2024, at Emene. He had re-bagged and sold 10 bags of rice at Orie Emene Market, Enugu.
“Thanks to the swift response of police operatives from the Ogui Police Division, Nnamani Joseph’s attempt to defraud a businessman of 18 bags of rice valued at about N400,000 was thwarted,” Ndukwe said.
“Eight out of the 18 bags of rice were recovered from him after he had re-bagged and sold the others at Oye Emene Market, Enugu,” he added.
Ndukwe mentioned that the suspect and his accomplices would be prosecuted once investigations are completed
