A witness from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Adamu Dahiru, on Wednesday told an Ikeja High Court how one Capt. Victor Olanipekun defrauded Mrs Agada Chinweze, an oil marketer of N7.1million.

Dahiru, an investigator with the EFCC, said: “Chinweze, a oil marketer, owns and runs a company called Ageis Energy Ltd.

“Olanipekun claimed to be the handler of a vessel called Mt Zohor Atlantic and on Sept. 19, 2014, Chinweze gave him N1.6million to lift crude oil from Nigeria to Ghana.

“She transferred the money to Olanipekun's Guarantee Trust Bank account no. 0016727657 and when he received the money, he avoided Chinweze's calls.”

Dahiru, in his testimony, told the court that Chinweze was swindled by Olanipekun.

“Sometime in Jan. 2015, Chinweze was finally able to get through to Olanipekun and he told her that he needed more money for the repair and maintenance of the vessel.

“She then transferred the sum of N5.5 million to the defandant's account and ever since he received the money, he avoided any form of contact with the complainant and as a result, she petitioned the EFCC.”

The witness said Olanipekun was finally arrested by the EFCC at Protea Hotel, Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, when he went for a meeting.

Olanipekun faces a two-count charge of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

The offences contravened Sections 278(b) and 285(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2011.

Justice Kudirat Jose adjourned the case to April 18 and May 9 for continuation of trial. (NAN)

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