$307,500 scam: Police extradite high-profile fraud suspect from UAE

Interpol

The Nigeria Police Force has secured the extradition of a high-profile fraud suspect, Abubakar Muhammed, from the United Arab Emirates.

Muhammed, who had been on the run since 2023, was extradited to Nigeria on Friday, May 23, following his arrest in Dubai on April 15.

According to a statement by the police spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Saturday, Muhammed’s return was facilitated through a coordinated effort between INTERPOL NCB Abuja, INTERPOL Abu Dhabi, the Dubai Police, and the Nigerian Consulate General in Dubai.

Adejobi said the suspect was the subject of an INTERPOL Red Notice after he allegedly defrauded an Abuja-based international businessman of $307,500 under the pretence of shipping luxury vehicles from the UAE to Nigeria.

He noted that Investigations revealed that Muhammed used a third-party account in FCMB belonging to a Kano resident, Anas Usaini, to receive the funds, which were then funnelled through money laundering operations in Dubai

Adejobi said, “The case originates from a report filed in July 2023 by an Abuja-based international businessman, who was defrauded by Muhammed under the guise of being a shipping agent. Investigations revealed that Muhammed misrepresented himself to the complainant, securing a contract to facilitate payments and freight of ten high-end vehicles, valued at $307,500.00, from the UAE to Nigeria via designated registered shipping companies. After establishing trust, Muhammed fraudulently received the full payment through a third-party account at FCMB belonging to Anas Usaini, a Kano resident, which was subsequently used for money laundering activities in Dubai. ”

Adejobi said Muhammed would be prosecuted at the Federal High Court. Punch