Court Remands Bizwoman In Prison Over N20m Hajj Fraud

Justice Friday Ogazi of the Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded a businesswoman, Mrs Basirat Sheu, known as Basheegold, in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) over her alleged involvement in a N20 million hajj scam.

Justice Ogazi ordered that Mrs Sheu be kept in custody until she meets her bail conditions, after she was arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, theft and obtaining money under false pretences.

The defendant, who resides at 215 Federal Low Cost Housing Estate in Ilorin, Kwara State, had pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution had alleged that the defendant, along with others who are still at large, conspired to fraudulently obtain and steal N20 million from one Alhaji Mojeed Oladele, the CEO of Al-Yusuff International Travels and Tours Limited.

They allegedly promised to facilitate Hajj pilgrimages in 2025.

These offences are said to violate Sections 516, 390, and 419 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C15, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Based on her plea, the defence lawyer Ola Mumuni moved a bail application on behalf of her client, which the judge granted under certain conditions.

Justice Ogazi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N15 million with two sureties in like sum.

He also directed that the sureties must reside in Lagos State and either own verifiable property with a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) or be civil servants or professionals not below Grade Level 12 to 15.

However, the judge ordered that Sheu be remanded in custody until the bail conditions are met.

The case has been adjourned to January 29 for the commencement of the trial.