Bureau de Change operator Abdullahi in custody over alleged $50,000 scam

Abdullahi arraigned in court

Published By: Kazeem Ugbodaga

By Paul Iyoghojie

A 37-year-old Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, Nura Abdullahi, has been arrested by officers of Zone 2 Command, Lagos, and charged before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly converting $50,000 (about N57 million) meant for a customer, Bolatiito Ayorinde, to his personal use.

According to police reports, the defendant received the funds from relatives of the complainant based in the United States with an agreement to exchange the dollars into naira and deliver the equivalent sum to Ayorinde.

However, Abdullahi allegedly failed to deliver the money and instead fled with the amount.

Additionally, the defendant is accused of misappropriating N35 million belonging to Ayorinde’s wife, Mrs. Bolatiito Ayorinde.

Following the incident, the complainant lodged a petition with the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who ordered Abdullahi’s arrest. The police apprehended him at a hideout in Lagos.

Abdullahi was arraigned at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court sitting at the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court on a three-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and theft.

Prosecution counsel, ASP Francis Igbinosa, stated that the defendant committed the offence on January 6, 2024, in Ajah, Lagos.

He explained that Abdullahi agreed to convert the $50,000 into its naira equivalent and deliver N57 million to the complainant but instead absconded with the funds.

The charges against Abdullahi are in violation of sections 411, 314 (1)(a)(b), 285, and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of N700,000 with two sureties in like sum by Magistrate A.O. Alogba, who adjourned the case until October 24, 2024.

Abdullahi will remain in custody at Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions.