Two men, Usman Garuba and Sagir Shuaib, have been arraigned before the Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos for allegedly impersonating Bureau De Change operators and defrauding a traveller of N16.6 million at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
According to court documents and police investigations, the defendants allegedly approached the victim, Ali Kelvin, on March 26, 2025, around 5 p.m., posing as legitimate currency exchange agents.
They reportedly offered to convert 90,000 Chinese yuan (RMB), equivalent to approximately N16,650,000, into Nigerian naira. Kelvin, believing them to be genuine, handed over the funds but never received the naira equivalent.
A formal complaint lodged with the Airport Police Division led to a swift investigation and the arrest of the suspects.
During interrogation, Garuba and Shuaib allegedly confessed to collecting and spending the entire sum, admitting their inability to refund the victim.
They now face a three-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, and stealing. The prosecution also revealed that two accomplices remain at large.
The first charge involves conspiracy to commit a felony—specifically obtaining money by false pretenses and stealing—under Section 325(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law.
The second count details the fraudulent collection of 90,000 RMB under the pretext of currency exchange, in violation of Section 314 and punishable under Section 314(3).
The third count accuses them of theft, contrary to Section 287.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Prosecuting officer, Inspector Adeitan Oluwabunmi, stated the prosecution’s readiness and requested a hearing date to present evidence.
Magistrate M.A. Agbaje granted the defendants bail with strict conditions, including verifiable sureties and evidence of tax compliance. Law enforcement must confirm the sureties’ addresses before bail is perfected.
Until then, Garuba and Shuaib remain remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned for mention.