The Lagos Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on July 4, 2022, arraigned one Solomon Akhigbe Idonije before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos on a seven-count charge to the tune of N20,080,000 bordering on obtaining money by false pretence contrary to Section 1(1) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.

One of the charges reads: "Solomon Akhigbe Idonije sometimes on 21st of December 2020 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N4,800,000.00 from one Iyen Omowuiugbe by falsely representing to him that the money was for Forex Trade through Solomon Ace Forex Investments and that as an investor, will be entitled to 25% ROI (Return on Investment) in 25 days, whereas you used the money to offset your debts to other investors in your company."

Another count reads: "Solomon Akhigbe Idonije sometimes on 23rd of December 2020 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N4,100,000 from one Iyen Omowuiugbe by falsely representing to him that the money was for Forex Trade through Solomon Ace Forex Investments and that as an investor, will be entitled to 25% ROI (Return on Investment) in 25 days, whereas you used the money to offset your debts to other investors in your company."

He pleaded "not guilty" to the charges.

Thereafter, E.S. Okongwu, who held the brief of the prosecuting counsel, G.C. Akaogu, prayed the court for a trial date in order to enable the prosecution present its witnesses and evidence to prove the case against the defendant.

The defence counsel, Jonathan Okagbero, however informed the court of an application for the bail of the defendant.

Justice Taiwo, afterwards adjourned till July 13, 2022 for hearing of the bail application, and ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody till then.

Media & Publicity

5 July, 2022