EFCC Charges Travel Agency CEO with Alleged N144m Hajj Fare Fraud in Gombe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against Mustapha Mohammed, the CEO of MB Lugga Global Travels and Tours Limited, accusing him of fraud. Mohammed appeared before Justice T.G. Ringim at the Federal High Court in Gombe on Monday, facing a three-count charge related to deceit and obtaining money under false pretenses, amounting to N144 million.

The charges allege that Mohammed, with an accomplice Nazifi Idris who is currently at large, deceitfully collected N97,080,000 from Hamza Maina for the supposed organization of a 2024 Ramadan Lesser Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, covering costs like flights, visas, and accommodation. This action is said to contravene Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

Also Read: NAHCON Sets February 14 Deadline for 2025 Hajj Fare Remittance

In another instance, Mohammed is accused of fraudulently taking N29,082,500 from Ibrahim Arabia under similar pretenses, which breaches Section 1(2)(a) of the same Act.

During the court session, the prosecution, led by S.H. Sa’ad, requested a trial date and for Mohammed to be remanded in the Gombe State Correctional Facility. Meanwhile, Mohammed’s defense, represented by M.Z. Gambo, applied for bail, which was met with opposition from the prosecution.

Justice Ringim decided to postpone the ruling on the bail application and ordered Mohammed’s remand. The prosecution expressed concerns about Mohammed potentially fleeing the country if granted bail, citing eight other unresolved complaints against him totaling N120,869,500. The case has been scheduled for further proceedings on a later date.

Due to fraud incidents such as this, there is an urgent call for robust fraud prevention measures this year. Pilgrims must be particularly vigilant when making payments for Hajj packages. It’s advisable to use official channels like the Nusuk Hajj platform for registration and payments to ensure security and authenticity. Additionally, pilgrims should verify the legitimacy of travel agencies and service providers, ensuring they are accredited by relevant authorities.

The EFCC and other law enforcement agencies emphasize the importance of reporting any suspicious activities or transactions to prevent potential fraud. With the high financial stakes involved in Hajj, safeguarding against deceitful practices is crucial to maintaining the sanctity and integrity of this sacred journey.