The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) in Lagos has arraigned Bello Samuel, an employee of an investment company, for allegedly diverting about N90 million from the firm’s account for personal use.
Samuel was arraigned before the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on charges bordering on conspiracy and money laundering.
In a statement on Tuesday, Ovie Ewhubare, spokesperson for the PSFU, said the suspect worked in the finance department and allegedly carried out the fraud through an insider scheme.
Ewhubare explained that Samuel was accused of fraudulently converting company funds for personal use.
“Following a formal complaint by the affected company, operatives of the unit immediately commenced investigation into the matter,” the statement read.
The spokesperson added that upon realising the fraud had been uncovered, Samuel allegedly absconded from Lagos with members of his family to an unknown location, cutting off all means of communication in an attempt to evade arrest.
Ewhubare said “Investigations were extended to several states in the South-West before the suspect was eventually apprehended in Oye-Ekiti Local Government Area of Ekiti State.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspect habitually laundered the proceeds of the fraud through the bank accounts of friends and relatives to conceal the source of the funds.”
He added that while Samuel has been charged to court, investigations are ongoing to apprehend other persons allegedly involved in the crime.
The statement also quoted Kayode Ojapinwa, Commissioner of Police, PSFU, Lagos, as reaffirming the unit’s commitment to combating financial crimes.
Ojapinwa advised corporate organisations to strengthen internal control mechanisms, particularly in monitoring employees, to curb insider-related abuses.
