EFCC arraigns fake president’s CSO for N200m fraud

An alleged fraudster, Titus Joshua, who claimed to be Chief Security Officer to the President, has been arraigned.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dragged him before Justice S.M.Shuaibu of the Federal High Court in Benin.

The suspect was arraigned on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.

Joshua is alleged to have defrauded his victims of over N200million under the pretence of helping them secure top management positions at the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

One of the counts said Joshua sometime between 10th August, 2018 and 30th September, 2021 at Orhionmwon Local Government, fraudulently obtained N12,216,000 from one Engineer James Igbinosun.

He claimed the money to facilitate the application of the Igbinosun into the position of NDDC Managing Director.

The offence violates Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Prosecution counsel, Ibrahim Mohammed, prayed the Court to fix a date for trial and remand Joshua.

Justice Shuauibu adjourned the matter till May 30, 2022 for hearing on the bail application and ordered the defendant remanded at the Correctional Service.