EFCC closes case in alleged N5m coconut oil fraud

By Adenike Ayodele

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday closed its case against one Onarike Onagoruwa charged with defrauding a woman of five million Naira on the pretext of supplying her coconut oil.

Onagoruwa is facing a three-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences and issuance of dud cheque,  before an Ikeja Special Offences Court.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an EFCC operative, Mr Ademola Agbetuyi, had on May 8, told the court  how the defendant  allegedly ignored  letters of invitation by the commission, which necessitated his arrest.

Agbetuyi testified for the EFCC which is prosecuting the case.

On Tuesday, the witness was cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr Akeem Amusa.

Under cross-examination, the witness reiterated that a post-dated cheque of N6.5 million issued by the defendant to the petitioner was dishonoured due to insufficient fund.

“Our investigation was to follow the money, and nothing showed that the defendant at any time, invested the money in any coconut oil-based business.

“The victim had requested for a formal agreement but the  defendant was not forthcoming.

“Although the defendant claimed to own one Obanla Farms Nig. Ltd., during our investigation, we found out that there was no physical presence, though it is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission,” he said.

EFCC counsel, Mr Nwandu Ukoha, thereafter  told the court that prosecution would close its case.

Defence counsel prayed the court to recall the first prosecution witness and alleged victim, Mrs Abiodun Adebowale, for cross-examination.

Adebowale was in court.

Under cross-examination, Adebowale   told the court that the defendant failed to show up on the day both of them were supposed to sign a formal agreement.

“He had already collected the cheque of N5 million and he kept dodging.

“Since he collected the cheque, he disappeared, and it was lies upon lies, fake addresses and unkept promises,” she said.

Justice  Mojisola Dada adjourned the  case until June 13 for defence to open its case.

(NAN)