The Lagos State Police Command is
investigating a case of fraud perpetrated by six men, who defrauded hundreds of
people in Ketu area of the state.
According to police authorities, the
suspects, Dr. Chris Ajakaiye, Atanda Johnson, Morenike Folarin, Ademola Atanda,
Soledayo Akinnubunmi and John Ajagbe, set up a foundation at 15 Oluwalogbon
Street, Ikosi, known as Goodluck/Sambo Foundation.
It was learnt that the suspects collected money from victims
under the guise of keeping them in contact with the Presidency.
A resident of Ketu, who spoke to our
correspondent on the condition of anonymity, said most of the victims were not
residents of Ketu, which made it difficult for them to know that it was a
fraudulent business
He said the foundation was set up in
2010 during the build-up to the 2011 general elections.
The source said, “The people running
the foundation told people to register with them and support Jonathan and Sambo
during the elections. It was run like a supporters’ club and they held regular
meetings. The members were promised government contracts and easy access to the
presidency.
“I noticed also that most of the
people that came to the place were not residents of Ketu, but I think members
were many because it was cheap to register.”
It was learnt that the foundation
initially started collecting N1,000 as registration fee from members but as the
demand rose, the foundation increased its fee to N3,000 and then changed its
name to Vision Relief Programme.
It was learnt that the foundation continued to run for almost
three years until an aggrieved member went to report at the Ketu Police
Division.
The spokesperson for the state police
command, Ngozi Braide, said investigations revealed that the perpetrators had
realised over N12m from the victims.
She said, “On February 26, 2013, two
women, Bola Olaleke and Florence Adebisi, reported at the station that some
people set up a foundation and started collecting N1,000 from people for
registration.
In 2012, the foundation changed its
name to Vision Relief Programme and then increased its fee to N3,000.
“They claimed to be working for the
presidency and promised to help members secure contracts. So far, they have
realised over N12m from victims.
After the first people reported at
the station, many others started coming forward.”
Braide identified the leader of the
group as John Ajagbe but added that he was on the run. She said other suspects
had also fled.
“The case has been transferred to the
X Squad of the state command for further investigation,” she said.
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