The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ibrahim Nuhu Shuaibu at the Kaduna State High Court on charges related to a N100 million oil deal fraud, where he allegedly impersonated a Group Executive Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
Shuaibu, who also used the alias Ishaku Abdulrazak, faces seven charges, including criminal breach of trust, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretenses. The charges date back to 2017, when he allegedly conspired with a now-deceased accomplice, Iliya Garba, to defraud victims by promising to supply petroleum products but failing to do so.
One of the main victims, Faisal Safiyanu, transferred over N47 million to Shuaibu after being assured that the money would facilitate the procurement of petroleum products. However, Shuaibu neither delivered the goods nor returned the funds. As a result, he is now facing prosecution under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
During his arraignment before Justice Darius Khobo, Shuaibu pleaded not guilty to all seven counts. Despite this, his defense counsel did not apply for bail, prompting the judge to remand him in EFCC custody pending trial.
This case is part of a broader EFCC effort to tackle financial fraud schemes in Nigeria, particularly those involving impersonation and advance fee fraud, commonly known as “419.” Shuaibu’s trial will provide further insights into the scope of his alleged fraudulent activities and any additional victims of his impersonation scheme.
