Kaduna businessman faces fraud charges in N7.5 million case

In a recent development, 40-year-old businessman Isaiah Gabriel found himself in a Kaduna High Court facing charges over an alleged N7.5 million fraud. The Economic and Financial Commission (EFCC) from the Kaduna branch brought forward the charges against Gabriel.

According to Nasiru Salele, the EFCC counsel, the accused committed the offense in June. Salele outlined that Gabriel is accused of collecting N7.5 million from Williams Victor, ostensibly to process a Bureau De Change license. However, the prosecution alleges that the businessman converted the funds for personal use, and attempts by the complainant to secure a refund were unsuccessful.

The charges laid against Gabriel fall under Section 344 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, with potential punishment outlined in Section 345.

During the arraignment, Gabriel pleaded not guilty to the charges. Subsequently, Justice Amina Bello granted him bail in the sum of N1 million, requiring two sureties with an equivalent sum. The sureties must swear to an affidavit and provide evidence of tax clearance for the past three years.

As part of the conditions, the sureties and the defendant are required to submit recent passport photographs to the court. The case has been adjourned until January 15, 2024, as legal proceedings unfold.