‎EFCC arraigns man over alleged N56.4m hajj fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a man, Lawal Musa, before the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan over an alleged N56.4 million pilgrimage fraud.
‎
‎Musa was arraigned by the Ibadan Zonal Directorate of the EFCC before Justice Olusola Adetujoye on charges bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and related offences.
‎
‎According to the anti-graft agency, the defendant allegedly presented himself as an official of the Kaduna State Government capable of facilitating participation in the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage.
‎
‎The EFCC alleged that one Ibrahim Shuaibu introduced the offer to several associates involved in cattle breeding and rearing in the Oke-Ogun area of Ibadan.
‎
‎ The group reportedly pooled N56,491,000, which was transferred to Musa to secure Hajj slots for the intending pilgrims.
‎
‎Investigators said the promised pilgrimage arrangements were not provided, leading to complaints and subsequent investigations by the commission.
‎
‎Musa pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court. Following his plea, the prosecution requested a trial date, while the court adjourned the matter for further proceedings.
‎
‎The EFCC said the case forms part of its ongoing efforts to combat fraud and protect members of the public from schemes involving religious pilgrimages and other forms of financial deception.