A Federal High Court in Lagos has authorized the Inspector-General of Police to apprehend a suspect, Olusanya Sunday Okusanya, who is believed to have fled to the United Kingdom following an alleged fraud scheme amounting to N64 million.
According to The PUNCH, the ruling was made on Monday by Justice Yellim Bogoro, who approved the IGP’s request during an ex parte application presented by police counsel, S. O. Ayodele.
The allegations pointed out that Okusanya is accused of defrauding Helen Nkeihuka Isichei out of N64 million under false pretenses. During the court proceedings, Ayodele argued that the motion was filed in accordance with Sections 113 and 114 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the Extradition (Modification) Order 2014, the Federal High Court Extradition Procedure Rules 2015, and the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
Supporting the application, Ayodele submitted a comprehensive package that included a charge sheet detailing the allegations, a seven-paragraph affidavit, a written address, and various exhibits to bolster the case.
After considering Ayodele’s arguments and the evidence presented, Justice Bogoro ruled in favor of the application, asserting that it had merit.
The judge scheduled the next hearing for December 10, 2024, to review the status of the case and potentially arraign the suspect.
In an affidavit submitted alongside the application, Superintendent of Police Suleiman Ilu indicated that the Deputy Inspector General of Police at the Force CID, Area 10, Abuja, had received a petition that prompted the involvement of INTERPOL.
Ilu noted, “One Helen Nkeihuka Isichie, who is the nominal complainant, made a statement to the police confirming the contents of the petition. The INTERPOL section of the Force had investigated this matter and found the defendant/respondent culpable.”
He further explained that Okusanya is suspected of having absconded to the United Kingdom after allegedly committing the offense.
“The INTERPOL Section of the Force CID Annex, Alagbon, is collaborating with the Ministry of Justice to facilitate mutual legal assistance for the defendant’s repatriation, ensuring he stands trial in Nigeria,” Ilu added.
The police emphasized the need for Okusanya’s arrest, arguing it would be in the interest of justice to bring him back to face the charges against him.
The accusations against Okusanya involve claims that he fraudulently obtained N64 million from Isichei in Lagos in 2022, an act that violates Section 1(1)(c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006, which is punishable under Section 1(3) of the same law. Additionally, he faces charges of stealing the same amount, which contravenes Section 383 and is punishable under Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code Act, Cap. C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.