The Managing Director of Echendu GPC Limited, Echendu Ndubuisi Endy, has been charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly defrauding victims of nearly £9 million in a bogus visa scam.
Endy was arraigned before Justice E.A. Obile of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, accused of deceiving several individuals into paying large sums of money for fraudulent visa services.
Endy, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, faces three counts of obtaining money under false pretences and engaging in fraudulent activities, contrary to the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. The charges relate to his alleged involvement in a scam where he promised to procure UK work permits and caregiving jobs for victims, but failed to deliver on his assurances.
According to the EFCC, Endy allegedly collected a total of N9 million from three separate victims, claiming he could secure them work visas for the United Kingdom. One of the charges states that between April 23 and May 2, 2024, Endy received N4 million from a victim, Mr Darlington Abuchi, promising him a UK work permit, which he knew to be false. A second charge involves N3 million from Mrs. Ngozi Nzechukwu, whom Endy allegedly deceived between August 16 and September 14, 2023, with the same false promises.
The court heard that the victims never received the visas they had paid for, nor were they refunded the money they had handed over to Endy.
EFCC prosecutor K.A. Yunus requested the court to set a date for the trial to begin and to remand the defendant in custody while the legal proceedings take place. Defence counsel, P.U. Alikor, applied for bail on behalf of the accused, requesting that Endy be granted the opportunity to prepare for his trial outside detention.
Justice Obile ruled that Endy should be remanded in the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre, with the case adjourned to November 28, 2024, for a hearing on the bail application.
Endy was arrested in October 2024 following a series of complaints lodged by the victims, who reported the alleged scam to the EFCC. The case highlights ongoing concerns about fraudulent visa schemes in Nigeria, particularly those targeting individuals seeking opportunities abroad. The EFCC has vowed to continue its efforts to combat such fraud and hold perpetrators accountable.
As the trial continues, many are watching closely, as this case could set a precedent for similar fraud cases in the region.
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