TheCable

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a fraud charge against Globacom Limited, telecommunications company, before the Lagos state special offences court.

The firm was said to have carried out a transaction to the tune of $6,786,674.61 in 2008 under false claims that the benefits will be paid for whereas it is “with intent to defraud”.

Listed as first defendant in the one count charge filed at the court on Monday is Ashok Israni, Globacom Indian chief marketing officer.

The charge sheet signed by A.B.C. Ozioko, EFCC prosecuting counsel read: “Ashok Israni and Globacom Limited, sometime in 2008 in Lagos, within the Ikeja Judicial Division, with intent to defraud, induced Emitac Mobile Solutions LLC, Dubai, United Arab Emirates to confer a benefit on you by permitting Emitac Mobile Solutions LLC to provide you with Blackberry solutions services, valued at USD 6,786,674.64 on the understanding that the benefit will be paid for, which pretence you knew to be false.”

Ozioko claimed the two parties acted contrary to the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 14 of 2006.

None of the defendants was in the court when the case was called up but Ozioko said efforts are ongoing to produce Israni, who has reportedly been granted an administrative bail by the commission.

A.O. Williams, the presiding judge, adjourned the case till May 15, 2018, for the arraignment of the defendants.