Two men have been dragged before the Kano State High Court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the allegation of defrauding a businessman of N12 million.
The duo of Sulaiman Inuwa Zakiru and Aliyu Ahmed were accused of impersonating renowned oil mogul, Alhaji A.A. Rano.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretenses.
According to the EFCC, the defendants tricked the victim into believing they were representatives of A.A. Rano Oil and Gas Limited.
One of them allegedly told the complainant that Alhaji Rano would reach out to him after a scheduled visit.
Subsequently, a phone call later came from someone claiming to be the oil tycoon, offering petroleum products worth N12 million.
The businessman was directed to deposit the funds into two accounts bearing the names “A.A Yansamary General Enterprise” and “Zahda General Enterprise,” both reportedly linked to the accused.
The business became suspicious after the transaction when he met the real A.A Rano, who denied any knowledge of the deal.
One of the charges reads: “That you, Sulaiman Inuwa Zakiru and Aliyu Ahmed, sometime in April 2022 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired amongst yourselves to commit an offence, to wit: cheating by impersonation, contrary to Section 96(1) and punishable under Section 97(1) of the Penal Code Law.”
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecuting counsel, Zarami Mohammed, requested that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility and asked the court to fix a date for trial.
Justice Aliyu thereafter granted the application and adjourned the case to May 22, 2025.
The accused were ordered to remain in custody pending the commencement of hearing.
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