Bureau De Change operator to serve 3-year jail term over N13m fraud

One Saleh Mohammed Elleman, a Bureau De Change businessman, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment after being found guilty of defrauding a customer of N13 million.

A petition against Elleman was submitted to EFCC by one Salisu Tambaya who alleged that the convict fraudulently induced him in parting with the sum.

Tambaya said Elleman collected the money under the pretext that the money would be invested into Bureau De Change business.

Elleman was subsequently charged with offences bordering criminal breach of trust, cheating, misappropriating and diversion of funds.

He, however, told the court he was not guilty of the charges.

After diligent prosecution, Justice Yusuf of the Katsina state High Court was convinced that the convict was entrusted with the N13million sum.

The judge disagreed with Elleman’s claim that the money had actually been invested. 

See Also

Why Price of Rice Has Increased by over 400 Percent Despite Nigeria Being Africa’s Largest Producer

“Although, the accused claimed to have invested the money, there was no evidence as to when the business commence, no any record whatsoever of the purported business transactions provided, it is in evidence that the accused could not give a satisfactory account of the said money,” he said.

Justice Yusuf consequently found Elleman guilty and accordingly convicted and sentenced him to serve three years imprisonment without option of fine.

The convict was also ordered to refund the sum of N12.2 million to the complainant.