By Ayo Kehinde
The Nigeria Police Force Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi-Lagos, has uncovered an alleged N8.58 billion investment fraud and secured a Federal High Court forfeiture order against companies, individuals, and bank accounts linked to the suspected crime.
The forfeiture order was obtained in connection with allegations of conspiracy, fraudulent conversion, obtaining money under false pretence, stealing, and money laundering involving Plaude Technologies Limited, Omberra Commodities Limited, and three suspects identified as Olatomiwa Adebayo Idowu, Osikoya Oladayo Joshua, and Ibunkun Oluwa Boluwatife Adebayo.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer of the PSFU, DSP Ovie Kenneth Ewhubare, the investigation commenced after the Unit received a petition from a financial institution alleging that the suspects fraudulently obtained N8,585,852,300 through false representations and deceptive investment arrangements.
The statement said detectives of the Unit immediately launched intelligence-driven investigations, extending their inquiries to several financial institutions linked to the suspects as well as Nigeria’s apex financial regulatory authority.
Investigators reportedly discovered that Plaude Technologies Limited allegedly lacked the operational and financial capacity to fulfil the obligations and claims presented to investors and business partners.
The police further alleged that one Osaretin Jonathan, identified as a director in the company, laundered funds through multiple bank accounts connected to the ongoing investigation.
Following the findings, the PSFU approached the Federal High Court and successfully secured a forfeiture order against the affected bank accounts and assets pending the conclusion of investigations and possible prosecution.
Commissioner of Police in charge of the PSFU, CP Eloho Edwin Okpoziakpo, commended the detectives involved in the case for what he described as their professionalism, diligence, and resilience in handling complex financial crimes.
He reiterated the commitment of the Unit to combating sophisticated fraud schemes and safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.
