Abuja bizman arrested over alleged $120m fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested an Abuja-based businessman, Innocent Ezuma, 57, on allegations of defrauding a Ukrainian investor of more than $120 million. Ezuma was apprehended at his residence in Abuja on October 19 and remains in custody as of Tuesday. The EFCC has charged him with various offenses, including advance fee fraud, criminal breach of trust, criminal conversion, obtaining money under false pretences, theft, and money laundering.

The businessman is suspected of obtaining millions of dollars from the Ukrainian investor between 2007 and 2015 for mineral exploration and power projects that were never delivered. Sources claim that the funds were misappropriated for personal use, and investigators are examining transfers worth billions of naira to companies and individuals associated with the businessman, including his children.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.