A Nigerian-based Chinese businessman, Chen Gou Yao, has been remanded in Ikoyi Correctional Services facility in Lagos, Nigeria, over allegations of fraud, obtaining by false pretence, conspiracy and attempted suicide. Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos ordered the remand of Chen Gou Yao, who pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him and his company, Longshen Construction International Limited by the Police Force Criminal Investigation Department, ForceCID, Ikoyi.
According to police prosecutor, O. Ekweizor, Chen Gou Yao, who resides in Lagos, fraudulently obtained sums of £250,000, 6,000 Euros and 280,000 Chinese Yuan RMB from one XI Dimei between January and December 2019. The defendant was arrested and arraigned in court after a petition was submitted by the victim.
The court hearing revealed that the accused attempted suicide in police custody by trying to hang himself with his belt. The judge, therefore, ordered that Chen Gou Yao be remanded in custody until his next court appearance on April 29, 2021.
The case has brought to light the issue of foreign nationals engaging in fraudulent activities in Nigeria, and it is a reminder of the need for stringent measures to curb such illegal acts. The Nigerian government has been stepping up its fight against fraud, with the recent establishment of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The remand of Chen Gou Yao sends a strong message to foreign nationals and Nigerian citizens alike that fraud will not be tolerated and that justice will be served to those who engage in such illegal activities.