The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Mustapha Mohammed, the CEO of MB Lugga Global Travels and Tours Limited, before the Federal High Court in Gombe for defrauding intending Hajj pilgrims.
The EFCC accuses Mohammed of fraudulently obtaining N144,162,500 from several victims by falsely promising to arrange flight tickets, visas, and accommodation for the 2024 Ramadan Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
In one instance, Mohammed allegedly collaborated with Nazifi Sale Idris, who is currently at large, to defraud Hamza Ibrahim Maina of N97,080,000 via his personal Access Bank account. Another charge accuses him of obtaining N29,082,500 from Ibrahim Arabia in a similar fraudulent scheme.
One of the charges states: “That you, Mustapha Mohammed, while serving as CEO of MB Lugga Global Travels and Tours Limited, along with Nazifi Sale Idris (now at large), between 2024, within Gombe State, fraudulently obtained N97,080,000 from Hamza Ibrahim Maina through your personal Access Bank account, under the pretense of securing flight tickets, visas, and accommodation for the 2024 Ramadan Lesser Hajj. This constitutes an offense contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.”
A second charge involves Mohammed’s fraudulent acquisition of N29,082,500 from Ibrahim Arabia between December 2023 and February 2024 under similar false pretenses.
After pleading guilty, Mohammed’s counsel, M.Z. Gambo, applied for bail. However, the prosecution, led by S.H. Saad, opposed the application, citing concerns that the defendant might flee Nigeria and evade justice.
The EFCC also disclosed that eight additional petitions had been filed against Mohammed, accusing him of defrauding other complainants of a combined total of N120,869,500.
The prosecution argued, “The defendant faces multiple fraud allegations amounting to N120,869,500. If granted bail, he may flee the country and evade justice. For the sake of justice, we urge the court to deny his bail application.”
Following the hearing, Justice Tijjani Ringim adjourned the case to rule on the bail application.
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