Two men, Usman Garuba (28) and Sagir Shuaib (30), have been arraigned before the Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos for allegedly defrauding a traveller of N16.6 million under the guise of being Bureau De Change operators.

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The suspects reportedly approached the victim, Ali Kelvin, at Murtala Muhammed International Airport on March 26, 2025, claiming they could convert Chinese yuan to Nigerian naira. Kelvin handed over 90,000 Chinese RMB—worth approximately N16.65 million—but never received the equivalent in naira.

Following a complaint, police from the Airport Division launched an investigation and arrested the suspects, who allegedly confessed to receiving and spending the money. They claimed they were unable to refund the victim.

Garuba and Shuaib were charged with conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, and theft. The police also revealed that two accomplices involved in the crime are still at large.

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The first charge accused the defendants of conspiring to commit a felony—specifically obtaining money by false pretenses and stealing—an offense under Section 325(1) of Lagos State’s Criminal Law. The second charge, under Section 314(3), involved obtaining 90,000 RMB fraudulently. The third accused them of stealing, punishable under Section 287.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Adeitan Oluwabunmi, requested a date for hearing, stating that the prosecution was ready to present its case.

Magistrate M.A. Agbaje granted the defendants bail with strict conditions, including sureties with verifiable means of livelihood and valid tax documentation. The sureties’ addresses must be confirmed before release.

Until their bail conditions are met, the accused will remain in custody at Kirikiri Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned for mention.

LUKMAN ABDULMALIK
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