EFCC Docks Branch Manager Over N10m Scam

THE South-East zonal office of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in Enugu has arraigned the branch Manager of Bestworth Assets and Trust Limited Benin City, Mr. Justus Imona Russell, over N10 million scam.

He was arraigned last Friday before Justice C.F. Ikponmwen of the State High Court 2, Benin City, Edo State on a four-count charge of obtaining by false pretence and forgery.

His arrest was sequel to a petition by Professor Austin Obasohan of Bupa Medical Centre, Benin City, who alleged that he made an investment with Bestworth Assets and Trust Limited for the purchase of shares through the company’s Benin branch Manager, Mr. Justus Imona Russell, to the tune of N10 million.

EFCC prosecutors told the court that at the time of maturity when Obasohan demanded for payment of his money, he was told by Russell that it was being rolled over for another three months due to a problem being experienced by the company.

“After three months when he further requested for his N10 million, the company informed him that there was no record of his transaction in their system and that the manager may have carried out the transaction in his personal capacity or that he may have terminated his transaction with the company.

“Investigations into the allegations revealed that Justus Imona Russell’s appointment with Bestworth was terminated in November, 2011, and while the business transaction took place on May 31, 2012.

“That Justus Imona Russell was still transacting business in the name of Bestworth Assets and Trust Limited, using all documents bearing Bestworth Premium Fund which he gave to Professor Obasohan to give the impression that the Money was invested with Bestworth Assets Limited,” the prosecutors said.