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A 25-year-old businessman, Nasiru Haruna, has been formally charged in a Makurdi Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding a customer of N900,000 in a beans supply scheme, highlighting the persistent threat of advance-fee fraud in Nigeria’s agricultural and informal trading sectors.
The case, prosecuted by Insp Friday Kanshio, stems from a petition filed by the complainant, Ms Florence Amos, with the Benue State Police Command on December 14. According to the prosecution, the defendant, a resident of Kadarduwa Village in Kano State, presented himself as a bulk supplier of beans in August. He allegedly persuaded Amos to make an upfront payment of N900,000 into his First Bank account (No. 3146470328) for the supply of five bags of white beans.
Beyond the Headline: The Mechanics of the ‘419’ Scam in Commodity Trading
This case is a textbook example of a modern adaptation of the classic advance-fee fraud, colloquially known as ‘419’. The scam preys on trust and the common practice of upfront payments in informal trade. Perpetrators often exploit high-demand food staples—like beans—where buyers are eager to secure supply. The defendant’s alleged subsequent disappearance after payment is the hallmark of this fraud. However, the successful tracking of his phone number, leading to his arrest in Kano State, demonstrates the increasing role of digital forensics in combating such crimes, even when suspects cross state lines.
Inspector Kanshio revealed a more alarming pattern: “Further investigation revealed that the suspect specialised in defrauding unsuspecting persons in Makurdi and its environs using the pretence of supplying beans in large quantities.” This suggests a systematic operation rather than a one-off incident, targeting a specific geographic market.
The Legal Framework: Understanding the Charges
The defendant was charged under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2008. This law is a powerful tool against such scams. It specifically criminalises obtaining property by false pretences, promising to supply goods or render services that the offender knows are non-existent or will not be provided. The penalty upon conviction can include a lengthy prison sentence, underscoring the seriousness with which the law views these offences designed to undermine commercial trust.
Haruna pleaded not guilty to the allegation. Following the prosecution’s request for an adjournment to continue its investigation, Chief Magistrate Mrs Regina Alashi granted the defendant bail set at N900,000—matching the alleged fraud sum—with a surety required in the same amount. This bail condition is significant; it acts as a financial deterrent against flight risk while upholding the principle of innocence until proven guilty. The case was adjourned until February 11, 2026, for mention.
Practical Takeaways for Traders and Consumers
This incident serves as a critical reminder for individuals and businesses engaged in informal trade:
- Verify Before You Pay: Conduct due diligence on new suppliers. Where possible, use escrow services or staged payments linked to delivery milestones.
- Document Transactions: Keep detailed records of agreements, payments (including bank details), and communications.
- Report Promptly: As seen here, the complainant’s formal petition to the Police Commissioner initiated the process that led to an arrest. Early reporting is crucial.
- Recognise the Pattern: High-pressure tactics, requests for full upfront payment, and deals that seem “too good to be true” are major red flags.
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The arraignment of Nasiru Haruna is more than a local crime report; it is a microcosm of the ongoing battle against financial fraud in Nigeria’s vibrant but vulnerable informal economy. The outcome of this case will be watched closely as an indicator of judicial efficacy in addressing these pervasive schemes.
Source: NAN News. Edited by Chinyere Omeire.
