Ex-Nigeria star Nwankwo Kanu has lost N1.4bn (about $104m) and Ayoola Gam Ikon, 49, a top executive of his Hardley Suites Hotel in Lagos has been arrested and charged for the alleged fraud.
Also arrested along with him over the alleged fraud is a hotel employee, Oke Samuel.
They were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s court on a 19-count charge of felony to wit, obtaining money under false pretence.
The police alleged Ikon was arrested following a complaint by the management of Hardley Suites Limited, Nwankwo Kanu and Ogbonna Kanu, that between 2005 and 2012 he defrauded them of the sum of about N1.4bn on the pretence of using the money to expand the existing facilities of the hotel by constructing and furnishing of additional blocks of 30 suites and conference facilities.
But he allegedly failed to use the money for the purpose and reportedly converted the money to his personal use.
He was also alleged to have forged a special resolution purportedly made by the board of directors of Hardley Suites Limited to obtain loans of N187m, N50m and N493m from Skye Bank Plc without authorisation.
The accused pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The prosecutor presented before the court an application for the remand of the accused persons in prison custody pending advice from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution because the lower court lacks the jurisdiction to try the matter.
But the Chief Magistrate, O.O. Oshin adjourned the matter till April 4 for mention.
- Punchng
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