EFCC re-arraigns American for ‘defrauding’ 3 Nigerians of $1.2m

EFCC

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned an American, Marco Ramirez, at an Ikeja Special Offences Court for allegedly defrauding three Nigerians of $1.2 million under the guise of securing green cards for them.

Mr Ramirez was re-arraigned on Thursday before Justice Mojisola Dada on an amended 12-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining under false pretence.

Also included in the charge are the American’s companies – USA Now LLC; Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP and USA Now Capital Group.

EFCC alleged that Ramirez committed the offences between February, 2013 and August, 2013 in Lagos.

He was said to have defrauded Godson Echejue, Abubakar Umar and Olukayode Sodimu.

The commission says the alleged offences contravene Section 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, No. 14 of 2006.

Ramirez and his companies were previously arraigned on June 22, 2017 before Justice Josephine Oyefeso on 16-count charge of conspiracy and obtaining under falsehood.

He had denied the charges and was admitted to bail in the sum of $25, 000.

But, midway to the trial, the case file was transferred to the Special Offences Court for speedy conclusion of the matter.

Justice Dada has now adjourned the case until October 7, 8, 9 and 10 for trial.