A Lagos High Court, Ikeja, has remanded a United States citizen, Mr. Marco Antonio Ramirez, in Kirikiri Prison for allegedly defrauding three Nigerians of $565,000.
The defendant, who claimed to be the Managing Director of three companies – USA Now Plc, Eagleford Instalodge Group and USA Now Energy Capital Group – will remain in prison pending hearing of his bail application.
Ramirez was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 16 count charge of obtaining money by false pretence before Justice Josephine Oyefeso.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the Commission.
EFCC prosecutor, Mrs. V.O Aigboje, said Ramirez committed the offences between February and August 2013.
The accused allegedly collected $10,000 from one Olukayode Sodimu under the pretext that the money was meant to facilitate an American Green Card with the U.S Immigration Services.
He also fraudulently obtained $10,000 from one Abubakar Umar through a fictitious investment program in the U.S.
This, he claimed would make the later become eligible for U.S green card. (The Nation)