Jutha Gupah, Maiduguri
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has raised alarms against fake contractors to defraud unsuspecting traders and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Borno and Yobe states. The contractors are taking advantages of the present “economic and security situation” in the Northeast. The Zonal Head of EFCC, Aminu Ado Aliyu raises the alarms on Thursday in Maiduguri, while briefing journalists on raising rates of financial and economic crimes in the metropolis. His words: “The commission wishes to bring to the notice of general public of the looming trends; where some unscrupulous elements are taking advantage of present situations in Bono and Yobe. “They are parading themselves as contractors; presenting fake food stuffs, construction of tents and or investments in the procurements of items with the intent to defraud unsuspected traders and or general public.” He therefore; warned the general public to be wary of these individuals in processions of fake documents they present with a view to avoiding being praying on. According to him, the rate is so alarming and predominantly within the Maiduguri metropolis. While citing cases of fake contractors, Aliyu said that three people conspired and falsely presented themselves as staff of an NGO to supply food stuff and other supplies worth N15 million. He said that after receiving the said items, the suspected culprits disappeared, noting that the supply documents were however faked. Speaking on other fraudsters, he said: “The fraudster claimed to be an agent of an NGO presented fake purchase order. The order was alleged to be purported to be from the NGO to an individual and requested for N40 million.” Continuing, he said: “A memorandum of understanding was signed in the presence of witnesses, two days later; the suspect came back to the complainant’s secretary and collected another sum of N15m. “The agreement was to enable him complete his work,” adding that the suspect disappeared, after series of calls and pressure put on him by the complaint, he issued two dud cheques. He further explained that in May and June this year, a woman that claimed to work with an NGO approached him for supply of N4 million worth of food stuff. According to him, the woman agreed to pay back after two weeks of supply, but failed to pay as promised. He warned and advised the general public to verify presented contract documents; before release of funds, goods and or payments of money for investments in return for quick profits. He urged business outfits, NGOs, consultants, firms, hotels, car dealers to register with SCUML at www.scuml.org for Anti Money Laundering (AML) compliance and verification. He said that some fraudulent Cash Investment Companies are going round to lure unsuspecting individuals and investors for quick profits. He said one of such companies propagated by one Oluwasegun Adesini John and Sadiq, is the Millennium Multi Trade Limited. He said the suspected company hired unemployed indigenes as agents and marketers to become part of the adopted tricks to defraud people. He said 38 individuals petitioned the company between October and November this year over investment of N14 million in a week at 25% profit. According to him, the zonal commission within the last quarter of 2018 secured four convictions. He said that N24 million was also recovered and returned to groups and individuals. While reviewing this year’s performance, he said: “Within the last quarter of 2018, the zonal office has approved 85 petitions for investigation. “Thirty seven were rejected and nine cases were filed in both Maiduguri and Damaturu courts.”
