The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Mustapha Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of MB Lugga Global Travels and Tours Limited, for allegedly defrauding two individuals of N144 million under the guise of arranging their 2024 Ramadan Lesser Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
Mohammed appeared before Justice T.G. Ringim of the Federal High Court in Gombe on Monday, facing a three-count charge of obtaining money by false pretence and intent to defraud, contrary to Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
According to the EFCC, Mohammed, in collaboration with an accomplice, Nazifi Idris (currently at large), collected N97,080,000 from Hamza Maina for flight tickets, visas, and accommodation for the pilgrimage. In a separate instance, he was also accused of defrauding Ibrahim Arabia of N29,082,500 for the same purpose, violating Section 1(2)(a) of the Act.
During the court proceedings, EFCC counsel S.H. Sa’ad requested that the defendant be remanded in the Gombe State Correctional Facility and the case be set for trial. However, defence counsel M.Z. Gambo filed a bail application, which the prosecution opposed.
Opposing bail, Sa’ad stated that the defendant had eight additional pending petitions against him, with claims of defrauding other individuals of a combined N120,869,500. Sa’ad warned that granting bail could lead to Mohammed fleeing the country to evade justice.
Justice Ringim adjourned the case to a later date for a ruling on the bail application and ordered that Mohammed be remanded in the Gombe State Correctional Facility until then.
The case highlights growing concerns over fraudulent practices in the travel industry, especially those exploiting religious pilgrimages for financial gain. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice for victims and holding perpetrators accountable.
