Alleged N128m Fraud: Policeman Arraigned For Obtaining By False Pretences

The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Lagos has arraigned a Senior Police Officer, Jerry Ogunsakin, before the Federal High Court, Lagos on alleged conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence and unlawful conversion of the sum of N128 million

Ogunsakin, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) was arraigned before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke.

The prosecutor, Mr. Chukwu Agwu, who held the brief of Mr. Justine Enang, of Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Ikoyi, Lagos, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on November 15, 2022.

Mr. Agwu told the court that the defendant conspired with Ogbu Patricia a.k.a. Lamba, Michael Babatunde a.k.a Orija, Bolaji Sobande a.k.a. Barr. Onifade, Peter Ben and Alhaja Idris Wada a.k.a. Coker, all said to be at large.

The prosecutor also told the court that the defendant connived with others at large and fraudulently obtained the sum of N128 million, from a businessman, Esomonu Everest, with false pretence that they have United States Dollars (USD) equivalent to sell.

The police officer was also accused of converting the said sum of N128 million to his personal use.

The prosecutor said the defendant’s act, contravened sections 8(a) and punishable under Section 1(3)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.

He also told the court that the defendant action is contrary to and punishable under Section 15(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 as Amended in 2012.

The police officer however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Following his not guilty plea, the prosecutor asked for a trial date, and also urged the court to put him in the correctional facility till the determination of the charge.

His counsel, Mr. Kole Bello, did not oppose the prosecutor’s request.

Justice Aneke has ordered that the defendant be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS).

He subsequently adjourned the trial till July 19.

In February this year, the police had earlier arraigned four men, in relation to the alleged crime before the court.

The four are: Ibikunle Wasiu, John Babatunde,Taiwo Michael Fagbayimu and Pius Irabor, a.k.a. John.