Fake contractor in crimes commission net over alleged N1.8billion scam
An alleged fake contractor, Umoh Archibong has been arrested in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom State by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over N1.8billion scam
Penpushing reports that, the Commission Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, made this known in a statement on Wednesday, adding that the suspect was arrested on Friday November 6 at a hotel in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
The commission spokesman said the suspect was arrested for allegedly using fake contract documents to obtain about N1.8billion from unsuspecting members of the public, adding that his modus operandi is brandishing fake contract documents to prospective victims, and enticing them with promises of huge returns if they agree to fund the execution of the contracts.
The statement said, Archibong met his waterloo when one Okika Ugochukwu petitioned the commission on July 30, 2019, alleging that sometime in June 2019, the suspect approached him with the information that he had been awarded two contracts by Hensek Construction Company and VKS Construction Company, both in Uyo, for the supply of laterite and borrow pit sand.
Penpushing further reports that, the commission said the petitioner said the suspect convinced him to invest N39million ( in tranches between June 15 to June 25, 2019) with a promise of paying him N18,000 monthly until he receives payment for the contracts.
The statement said petitioner further alleged that, after he received payment from him and others, Archibong severed communication with them; that all efforts to get back the invested capital and accrued interest totaling N45, 000, 000.00 proved abortive.
Penpushing also reports that, the commission said, the two companies which Archibong claimed awarded him the contracts, Hensek Construction Company and VKS Construction Company, denied having any dealings with the suspect.
The statement added that, since his arrest, a total 38 victims have come forward with claims that they were also defrauded by the suspect under same guise.
‘Under interrogation, the suspect claimed he invested the proceeds of crime in ponzi schemes and acquired several exotic cars.The suspect will be charged to court as soon as investigation is concluded’, Uwujaren said.
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