The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has taken legal action against Echendu Ndubuisi Endy, the Managing Director of Echendu GPC Limited, for allegedly defrauding individuals in a ₦9 million visa scam. The arraignment took place on Thursday, 14th November 2024, before Justice E. A. Obile at the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Allegations of Fraudulent Visa Deals
The charges involve three separate counts of obtaining money under false pretenses related to promises of securing UK work permit visas. According to the EFCC’s Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate, Endy allegedly deceived two individuals with false claims of being able to procure visas to the United Kingdom.
One of the charges states that between 23rd April 2024 and 2nd May 2024, Endy received ₦4 million from Mr. Darlington Abuchi, promising to obtain a UK work permit visa—an offer which turned out to be fraudulent.
In another charge, Endy is accused of collecting ₦3 million from Mrs. Ngozi Nzechukwu between 16th August 2023 and 14th September 2023, under similar false pretenses of securing a UK visa.
Both acts are said to contravene Section 1(1) a & b of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, carrying penalties under Section 1(3) of the same law.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
When the charges were read, Endy pleaded “not guilty”. The EFCC’s prosecution counsel, K. A. Yunus, requested that the court set a trial date and remand the defendant in custody. The defense counsel, P. U. Alikor, submitted a bail application for his client, urging the court to grant bail so the defendant could adequately prepare for his defense.
In response, Justice Obile ordered that Endy be remanded in the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre until the next court date. The case has been adjourned to November 28, 2024, when the court will hear the bail application.
This case underscores the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat fraud and ensure justice in financial crimes across Nigeria.
News Editor