The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has arraigned one Abubakar Mohammed over allegations of fraud worth $307,500.
Mohammed, a Nigerian national, was arrested in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), by the International Criminal Police Organisation (Interpol) following an investigation into a fraud case involving an Abuja-based businessman.
He allegedly deceived an international automobile dealer by posing as a facilitator for the shipment of luxury vehicles from Dubai to Nigeria.
The case was first reported to the police in July 2023.
According to the police, Mohammed obtained 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, Abubakar Mohammed 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,” said Muyiwa Adejobi, spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force.
“Upon receipt of the payment, Muhammed provided the complainant with a forged bill of lading for the vehicles and subsequently became uncontactable.”
Mohammed was extradited to Nigeria on May 23 to face legal proceedings.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Adejobi confirmed that the suspect was arraigned on Tuesday before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
He pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge, including criminal breach of trust, obtaining by false pretence, forgery, and money laundering.
Following his arraignment, the court ordered that Mohammed be remanded at the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State, pending the hearing of his bail application on July 17, 2025.