- The Crime: Two men allegedly defrauded a traveler at Lagos airport.
- The Amount: A staggering N16.6 million!
- The Accused: Usman Garuba and Sagir Shuaib.
- The Charges: Conspiracy, fraud, and theft.
- The Plea: Not guilty… but the evidence might say otherwise!
The Lagos Airport Forex Scam: How It Went Down
Imagine landing in Lagos, ready to do some business or visit family, and then you get swindled out of millions! That’s allegedly what happened to one unlucky traveler at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.
Usman Garuba, 28, and Sagir Shuaib, 30, found themselves in the hot seat at Ogba Magistrate Court in Lagos. Why? They’re accused of posing as Bureau De Change operators and allegedly defrauding a traveler of a massive N16.6 million!
The Bait: A Fake Currency Exchange
According to the police, these guys approached Ali Kelvin on March 26, 2025, acting like they could exchange Chinese yuan for Nigerian naira. Kelvin, thinking he was getting a good deal, handed over 90,000 Chinese RMB. That’s about N16,650,000 in Nigerian currency! But guess what? He didn’t get the naira in return.
Confession and Spending Spree?
After Kelvin filed a complaint, the police swooped in and arrested Garuba and Shuaib. During questioning, the suspects allegedly confessed to taking the money but claimed they’d already spent it all. Ouch! That’s not going to look good in court.
Facing the Music: The Charges
The charges are serious. Conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretenses, and stealing. They’re also accused of working with two other accomplices who are still on the run. Looks like these guys are in serious trouble!
The Legal Jargon (Simplified)
- Conspiracy: Planning to commit a crime.
- False Pretenses: Tricking someone to get their money.
- Stealing: Taking someone’s property without permission.
The Courtroom Drama
During the court hearing, Garuba and Shuaib pleaded not guilty to all charges. But the police prosecutor, Inspector Adeitan Oluwabunmi, is confident they have the evidence to prove their guilt. The magistrate, M.A. Agbaje, granted them bail but with some tough conditions.
Bail Conditions: Not So Easy
To get out of jail, they need sureties who can prove they have a stable job, a verifiable address, and can show proof of tax payments. Until they meet these conditions, they’re stuck in Kirikiri Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned for mention, so this saga is far from over.
What This Means for You
This case is a stark reminder to be extra careful when exchanging money, especially at airports. Stick to reputable Bureau De Change operators, and always be wary of strangers offering deals that seem too good to be true. Your wallet will thank you!
Additional Tip: Consider using mobile banking apps or official exchange services to avoid potential scams.
About The Author
