A special investigator appointed by President Bola Tinubu has taken decisive action, seeking Interpol’s intervention to place three individuals on its watchlist in connection to an alleged $6,230,000 fraud.
The suspects, identified as Adamu Abubakar, Imam Abubakar, and Odoh Eric Ocheme, are subjects of an extradition case initiated by the federal government.
They stand accused of forging documents, including the signature of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and letters purportedly authored by Boss Mustapha, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, to secure the fraudulent payment from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), ostensibly intended for foreign election observers.
According to a charge sheet filed by the government, the suspects conspired to forge several documents, aiming to deceive the CBN into disbursing the aforementioned sum. The charges detail the alleged offenses under Section 1(2)[c] of the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
In a letter dated February 12, 2024, the special investigator, represented by Eloho Okpoziakpo, Head of Operations, Office of the Special Investigator, formally requested Interpol to issue a red notice against the three suspects. The letter emphasized the seriousness of the accusations and the substantial financial loss incurred.
Furthermore, the letter revealed that Odoh Eric Ocheme, a CBN staff, and his two accomplices are currently at large. It underscored the urgency of the matter, urging Interpol’s swift action to apprehend the suspects.
The development follows a federal high court’s issuance of a warrant of arrest against the suspects on January 18, 2024, prompted by a motion filed by the government’s counsel, Celestine Odo.
The case signifies a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to combat financial crimes and uphold the rule of law, demonstrating a commitment to accountability and justice.
