EFCC Arraigns CEO Over Alleged N144m Hajj Fraud in Gombe
The Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Mustapha Mohammed, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MB Lugga Global Travels and Tours Limited, on charges related to a N144 million fraud linked to the 2024 Ramadan Lesser Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed, alongside an accomplice, Nazifi Sale Idris (who is currently at large), was accused of fraudulently obtaining large sums of money from two individuals, Hamza Ibrahim Maina and Ibrahim Arabia, for flight tickets, visas, and accommodation for the pilgrimage.
In the first charge, the prosecution claimed that Mohammed, in 2024, collected N97,080,000 from Maina through his personal Access Bank account (account number 0026323827), intending to procure pilgrimage services. The charge alleges that this was done with fraudulent intent, violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The second charge involved Mohammed allegedly obtaining N29,082,500 from Ibrahim Arabia between December 2023 and February 2024, under similar fraudulent pretenses for the same pilgrimage. This was also deemed a violation of the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
The prosecution, led by counsel S.H. Sa’ad, requested a trial date and asked the court to remand Mohammed at the Gombe State Correctional Facility. However, the defense counsel, M.Z. Gambo, filed a bail application, which was opposed by the prosecution. Justice TG. Ringim adjourned the case for a ruling on the bail application and remanded Mohammed in custody.
