Two businessmen have been paraded in the Kano State High Court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly defrauding a businessman to the tune of N12 million.
The duo of Sulaiman Inuwa Zakiru and Aliyu Ahmed were brought before the court on a charge of impersonating renowned oil magnate, Alhaji A.A. Rano. The suspects were brought to court by Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu on a two-count charge based on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretences.
As required by the EFCC, the defendants tricked the victim into believing that they spoke on behalf of A.A. Rano Oil and Gas Limited.
Anthem claimed to inform the complainant Alhaji Rano would make a return visit and, at the earliest possible moment, contact him. Upper subsequently demanded money under false pretences subsequently arising in calls claiming it was from Alhaji Rano who offered him petroleum products worth N12 million.
The businessman was told to invest the money in two accounts named “A.A Yansamary General Enterprise” and “Zahda General Enterprise,” which were supposedly owned by the accused. The businessman grew suspicious after the transaction when he met the real A.A Rano, who denied knowledge of the transaction.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Sulaiman Inuwa Zakiru and Aliyu Ahmed, on or about April 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired between yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: cheating by impersonation, contrary to Section 96(1) and punishable under Section 97(1) of the Penal Code Law.”
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Prosecution lawyer, Zarami Mohammed, requested the court to remand the defendants in a correctional center and asked the court to fix a date for trial. Justice Aliyu subsequently granted the application and adjourned the case to May 22, 2025. The accused were ordered to be held in custody until the hearing commences.
