A Federal High Court in Lagos has dismissed the fraud charges amounting to N144 million against Mrs Mariam Isoje, the Branch Head of Providus Bank Plc
Justice Yellim Bogoro struck out the charges after the Police Prosecutor, Mr. H. Obazi, filed a notice of withdrawal, with no objections from the defence counsel, Mr. Mobolaji Kuti.
In his ruling, the judge stated, “Consequent upon the notice of withdrawal filed by the prosecution and non-objection by the defence counsel, I hereby strike out the charge. The matter is accordingly dismissed.”
Previously, in case number FHC/L/221c/2022, the police had charged Isoje along with Ibrahim Butali Abdulmumin, a Bureau De Change (BDC) operator, on four counts: conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretences, concealing proceeds of unlawful activities, and fraud involving N144 million.
The prosecution alleged that both individuals conspired to fraudulently obtain N144 million from victims under the pretence of exchanging it for $250,000 USD at N570,000.
It was claimed that the Providus Bank Plc manager concealed the proceeds of unlawful activities amounting to N60.480 million, which were derived directly from BDC Operator Ibrahim.
According to the prosecution, these alleged offences violate sections 8(a) and 1(1)(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act of 2006, which are punishable under the same Act. The prosecutor also noted that the offences are contrary to and punishable under sections 18(2)(b) and 20(a)(b) of the Money (Prohibition) Act of 2022.
While the BDC operator has entered a plea regarding the charges, the manager of Providus Bank Plc has not yet appeared in court.
