By DEBORAH AKPEDE

The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos, has secured a forfeiture order in an alleged N8.58 billion fraud case involving a technology company, two firms and three individuals.

The spokesperson for the unit, DSP Ovie Ewhubare, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

He said that the forfeiture order was granted by the Federal High Court in a case involving allegations of conspiracy, fraudulent conversion, obtaining money by false pretence, stealing, and money laundering.

“The order was granted against Plaude Technologies Ltd, Omberra Commodities Ltd, Olatomiwa Idowu, Osikoya Joshua, Ibunkunoluwa Adebayo, and several bank accounts linked to the alleged fraud, ” he said.

Ewhubare said that the investigation began after a petition was received from a financial institution, which alleged that the suspects obtained funds through false representations and fraudulent schemes.

“Detectives of the unit launched an intelligence-driven investigation that extended to several financial institutions and the apex financial regulatory body in Nigeria.

“Investigations revealed that Plaude Technologies Ltd lacked the operational and financial capacity to fulfil obligations and representations made to investors and business partners, ” he said.

The spokesperson said that one Osaretin Jonathan, identified as a director of Plaude Technologies Ltd, laundered money through multiple bank accounts.

“The unit approached the court and successfully obtained a forfeiture order against the affected accounts and assets pending the conclusion of investigations,” he said.

The image maker said that the Commissioner of Police of PSFU, Mr Eloho Okpoziakpo, commended the detectives involved in the investigation for their professionalism, diligence, and resilience.

“CP Okpoziakpo, while lauding the detectives, reiterated the unit’s commitment to combating sophisticated financial crimes and protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system”.(NAN)

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