Secrets Reporters
In what appears to be a well-orchestrated case of fraud, an Italy-based Nigerian businessman, Basonie Sylvester Charles, has accused Franklin Ezeh, also known as Ezeunyim Franklin Ugochukwu, of duping him of €72,000. The scandal has taken a dramatic turn, with allegations of deception, intimidation, and threats to life.
How It All Started
According to an exclusive petition obtained by SecretsReporters, Charles, a seasoned entrepreneur and owner of Transportline NCC Di Basonie Sylvester Charles and BS Center Money Transfer in Italy, entrusted Franklin Ezeh with a large sum of money for business transactions. Charles explained that on July 11, 2023, while he was on a business trip to Nigeria, he directed his wife in Vicenza, Italy, to hand over €72,000 to Ezeh to pay suppliers in Milan and Valenza.
However, shortly after collecting the money, Ezeh claimed he was accosted by two unidentified men in plain clothes at the Pioltello-Limito train station in Milan. He alleged that they took him to an undisclosed location, pointed a gun at him, and fled with the entire sum.
Doubts Over Ezeh’s Claims
Alarmed by the shocking revelation, Charles instructed Ezeh to immediately report the matter to the police, but Ezeh allegedly refused. Further investigation by Charles raised more red flags. When he traveled back to Italy to personally look into the matter, he found inconsistencies in Ezeh’s story. A visit to the supposed crime scene revealed that the location depicted in the video Ezeh had sent did not exist.
Several appeals from Charles and members of the Nigerian Association in Milan for Ezeh to report the case to the police were rebuffed. Suspicion grew stronger when Ezeh reportedly switched off his phone and went into hiding. Efforts to reach him through his associates, including Shaini Momoh (+393299454411) and Mr. Nwaokoro Ezenwa (+393895894287), proved futile.
Family Ties and Alleged Intimidation
The situation took another twist when a man identified as Michael Uchechukwu (+2348143542142) called Charles, claiming to be Ezeh’s elder brother. Uchechukwu allegedly warned Charles against involving law enforcement, boasting that he had connections in Europe that could make life difficult for him. Charles also received a call from another associate, Jones Eme (+2348033348180), who echoed similar threats.
In what appeared to be an attempt to cover his tracks, Ezeh later sent a WhatsApp message to Charles on October 22, 2023, requesting his bank details to begin repayment. However, only N500,000 was transferred, a fraction of the total amount owed.
Fraudulent Activities and Ongoing Investigations
Reports from the Italian police suggest that Ezeh has been involved in several fraudulent activities in the past. Charles claims Ezeh deliberately waited for him to travel before executing the alleged crime, adding that his accomplices in Nigeria were already reaching out to him for a physical meeting, which he suspects was a ploy to harm him.
Efforts to involve the Nigerian Embassy in Rome have yielded little success, as Ezeh reportedly refused to honor their invitation. Meanwhile, Charles has lodged formal complaints with Interpol and the Nigerian Police Force, yet the case remains unresolved.
A Desperate Plea for Justice
Expressing frustration over the slow pace of justice, Charles has called on relevant authorities to intervene. “This money belongs to my customers, and I am now indebted to them. If justice is not served, I will be forced to take other necessary actions,” he lamented.
Charles’ recent communication with Ezeh’s sister, Pamela Chidimma Okeke (+2348039478389), revealed that their family was unaware of the petition allegedly filed against him. This has further fueled speculation that Ezeh and his associates orchestrated the incident with the intent to defraud and silence him.