The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rearraigned a suspected member of a Chinese-led Ponzi and terrorism financing syndicate, Audu Friday, alongside Genting International Ltd, on charges of forgery.
The defendants were brought before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja on an amended eight-count charge dated May 17, 2025, and marked ID/25617C/25.
At Monday’s hearing, lead prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), with Bilkisu Buhari-Bala, presented the amended charge and requested the court to accept it so the defendants could take their pleas.
Oyedepo alleged that in 2024, the defendants forged an “Ultimate Beneficial Ownership Declaration Form,” falsely signed in the name of one Baffale Yakubu. The EFCC claims they used the forged documents to impersonate individuals for fraudulent purposes.
Audu pleaded not guilty, while a not guilty plea was entered for Genting International Ltd.
During testimony, a prosecution witness, Nasiru Barau, denied any connection to the company, stating: “I’ve never heard of Genting International before the EFCC invited me. I’m not a director; only my brother, Baffale Yakubu, is.”
Shown documents listing him as a 12 million-shareholder with an email address he didn’t recognize, Barau responded: “I don’t know this document. That’s not my email. I don’t understand shares.”
Under cross-examination, Barau confirmed making a statement at the EFCC, which he signed after it was written by his lawyer and another individual.
He also admitted to working as an assistant in a bureau de change business owned by his brother. His educational background was inconsistent, initially claiming to have finished secondary school, then later saying he did not.
Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to Tuesday, for ruling on Audu’s bail application and continuation of the trial.
