EFCC Arraigns Bureau De Change Operator for N13m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 arraigned one Sale Mohammed Elleman, Chairman, Chiroma Lalo Enterprise Limited, No. 71 Sulu Bolaji Street, Lagos before Justice Abdullahi Yusuf of the State High Court, Katsina on one count charge bordering on criminal breach of trust.
Elleman was arrested by EFCC Operatives following a complaint by one Salisu Tambaya who alleged that sometimes in 2014, he entered an agreement with the accused to transact a foreign exchange business.
The agreement was to the effect that, Tambaya would provide the capital which would be invested by Elleman, and the proceeds would be shared on agreed terms.
According to Tambaya, a sum of N13million was subsequently deposited into Elleman’s accounts in two new generation banks. However, problem started when in September 2014 the accused told Tambaya that, he had converted the money into dollars and had sent it to his customers in Dubai and Port Harcourt, who he claimed had remained evasive.
Hence, the complainant petitioned the EFCC as it dawned on him that he had been scammed
The charge reads:
“That you, Sale Mohammed Elleman, between the 27th May, to 25th June, 2014 in Katsina within the Judicial Division of the High Court of Justice of Katsina State being entrusted with certain property, to wit the sum of N13, 000, 000.00 by one Salisu Tambaya, commited criminal breach of trust; and that you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 312 of the Penal Code.”
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
In view of his plea, counsel to EFCC, N. K. Ukoha urged the court to fix a date for trial and remand the accused person in prison custody.
However, Justice Yusuf admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500, 000 (five hundred thousand naira) with two sureties in like sum.
Thereafter, the case was adjourned to April 27, 2016 for trial.
Wilson Uwujaren
Head, Media & Publicity
22nd March, 2016