An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigator, Rashidat Chindaya, has told the Lagos State Special Offences Court in Ikeja that a Nigerian suspect, Friday Audu, played a central role in a large-scale cybercrime network allegedly involving transactions exceeding ₦3.4 billion.
Chindaya, who testified as the seventh prosecution witness, said Audu was a key figure behind a criminal enterprise linked to Genting International Limited, a company allegedly used to carry out fraud operations despite not listing him as a director in official records. She also claimed he had control over bank accounts tied to the business and served as the sole signatory.
The case is connected to the EFCC’s December 2024 operation at a building on Oyin Jolayemi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, where 792 suspects—comprising 193 foreigners and 599 Nigerians—were arrested in what the agency described as a major international cybercrime syndicate involving fake investment schemes, romance scams, and cryptocurrency fraud.
According to the EFCC, Genting International Limited was allegedly used to acquire properties in highbrow areas such as Victoria Island, Banana Island, and Ikoyi, as well as to obtain forged diplomatic-style documents and vehicle number plates allegedly used by members of the syndicate.
The prosecution also presented findings from forensic analysis of phones, banking records, and Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) documents, which it said linked Audu directly to the alleged operation.
Chindaya further alleged that recovered messages showed discussions about securing diplomatic passports and special vehicle plates for foreign nationals, as well as arrangements linked to the Oyin Jolayemi property used during the operation.
At a previous hearing on June 8, Justice Rahman Oshodi admitted several prosecution exhibits, including forensic reports, lease agreements, company records, bank statements, and extra-judicial statements allegedly made by the defendant.
However, during cross-examination, the witness confirmed that Audu was not among those arrested during the December 2024 raid and that no victim or complainant had been presented in court. She also acknowledged that he was never declared wanted, though she stated he later reported himself to the EFCC after learning of the investigation.
Audu and Genting International Limited are standing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on alleged fraud, retention of proceeds of crime, forgery, and possession of fraudulent documents. They have both pleaded not guilty.