- A Canadian citizen was arrested for allegedly defrauding a Nigerian company.
- The fraud involved a non-existent Waste-to-Energy project in Canada.
- The suspect allegedly fabricated documents and moved funds through a bureau de change.
- The suspect was arrested at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while trying to flee the country.
How a Canadian Ended Up in Nigerian Police Custody
Robert Harms, a Canadian citizen, is now in police custody in Nigeria, thanks to the diligent work of the Nigeria Police Force INTERPOL National Central Bureau (NCB), Abuja. He’s accused of swindling Tepison Enterprises, an Akwa Ibom State-based company, out of a whopping $210,000. The alleged crime? A phony Waste-to-Energy project supposedly located in Canada.
The Fake Project: A House of Cards
According to police spokesperson ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Harms allegedly spun a web of lies, convincing Tepison Enterprises to invest in this non-existent project. He didn’t just stop there. He allegedly created a bogus Project Bridge Loan Agreement to make the deal seem legit. Once he had their money, it was allegedly rerouted to an account in Dubai through Allah Mai Girma Bureau de Change in Abuja.
The Investigation: Unraveling the Truth
The authorities didn’t take long to sniff out the deception. Their investigation revealed that Harms had no connection to VDQ-NRG Systems Limited, the Canadian company he claimed to represent. To add insult to injury, the CEO of VDQ-NRG Systems Limited denied ever knowing or dealing with Harms.
The Arrest: Foiled Escape
Just when Harms thought he could make a clean getaway, police caught him red-handed at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on February 7, 2025. He was reportedly trying to skip the country when he was apprehended. Facing the music, Harms allegedly confessed to receiving the funds and violating the investment agreement.
The Legal Battle: What’s Next?
Formal criminal charges were slapped on Harms at the Federal High Court in Uyo on April 22, 2025. He was arraigned on May 9, 2025, and is currently cooling his heels at the Uyo Custodial Centre. The case has been adjourned to May 20, 2025, where the court will decide his fate.
What Does This Mean for International Business in Nigeria?
This case serves as a stark reminder for businesses to conduct thorough due diligence before making any significant investments, especially with international partners. Don’t just take things at face value; always verify the legitimacy of the project and the parties involved. Reputable firms like PwC Nigeria offer due diligence services that can help safeguard your investments.
The Broader Context of Financial Crime in Nigeria
Unfortunately, cases like this are not entirely uncommon in Nigeria. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is constantly battling financial crimes, including advance fee fraud (aka 419 scams) and other forms of corruption. The EFCC website (https://efccnigeria.org/efcc/) provides valuable information on ongoing efforts to combat financial crime in the country.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
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