By Paul Iyoghojie
A Lagos-based bureau de change (BDC) operator, Hassan Abdullahi, has been remanded in custody after being arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defrauding a customer of ₦21.125 million.
Abdullahi, 42, was arrested by operatives of the Zone 2 Command, Lagos, following a petition by the complainant, Mordi Lyke Lawrence, who is based abroad.
According to the police, the complainant had entrusted the suspect with foreign currency equivalent to ₦21,125,000 to be remitted into his account overseas.
However, Abdullahi allegedly converted the funds to personal use instead of carrying out the transaction.
The matter was brought before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on Lagos Island on a four-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence, stealing and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
Prosecuting counsel, ASP Okete Ejima, told the court that the alleged offences were committed in 2024 at Alade Market, Ikeja, where the defendant operated as a BDC agent.
He said the accused abused the trust placed in him by diverting the funds meant for remittance.
Ejima noted that the offences contravene Sections 411, 168, 419 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate F. M. Dalley granted him bail in the sum of ₦21 million with two sureties in like sum, but ordered that he be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
The case was adjourned till June 4, 2026, for mention.
