Alleged NDIS fraud plot accused had one-way ticket to Nigeria, court hears

A man charged with a $5 million National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) fraud plot appeared in Adelaide Magistrates Court, where he was refused bail, according to prosecutors. Foluso Omole, a 38-year-old dual Australian and Nigerian citizen, was arrested at Adelaide Airport on Friday and was preparing to leave the country. Omole, who had cut ties in Adelaide, had reportedly purchased a one-way ticket to Nigeria before his arrest, according to the prosecutor.

He was working as a NDIS coordinator and operated two businesses at the time of the alleged fraud. The prosecutor alleged that Omole had received improper information from a woman employed by the National Disability Insurance Agency over six years, which he used to fraudulently obtain benefits. The woman has also been charged and is set to appear in court soon.

Omole's defense lawyer, Mark Twiggs, claimed his client had intended to travel on a return ticket to London, not a one-way ticket to Nigeria as initially reported. Despite this, Magistrate Patrick Hill denied bail, citing concerns that Omole might flee. Omole has pleaded not guilty to two charges of dealing with proceeds of an indictable crime over $1 million.