‘Fake’ Emir defrauds Senator of N.4m

Two people including a woman, were on Friday brought before a Minna Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly defrauding Senator Mustapha Sani of N400,000.
The accused —  Buhari Mohammed and Fatima Mohammed —  are being tried for criminal conspiracy and cheating.
Police Prosecutor Abdullahi Aliyu told the court that the senator, who represents Niger South at the National Assembly, had lodged a complaint with the Commissioner of Police.
According to Aliyu, the complainant had sometime in July received a phone call from someone who identified himself as the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Tafida, requesting financial assistance to run his palace.
He said the caller was said to have forwarded an account number to which the senator paid in the sum of N400,000.
He said the senator later visited the Emir of Lapai in August and he denied ever calling or receiving any financial help from the lawmaker.
During police investigation, it was discovered that Buhari had conspired with Fatima and one Hawa Isah, now at large, to call the senator and defrauded him of the money.
The prosecutor asked the court for an adjournment to enable the police to complete investigation, saying the offences contravened Sections 97 and 324 of the Penal Code.
The duo pleaded not guilty and their lawyer, Mr Abubakar Maiyaki, urged the court to grant them bail.
In his ruling, Magistrate Mohammed Gabi granted the accused bail of N100, 000 each and one surety each in like sum.
The case was adjourned until October 4 for mention.