From James Ojo, Abuja
THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is probing an alleged N249 million foreign exchange scam involving Policing Nigeria Awareness Initiative (PNAI) and Fortune Tyke Limited, a registered company in Nigeria with branch in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
The commission was informed about the scam through a petition from the Abuja-based Maryland Chambers alleging that some businessmen had mobilised N249, 600,000 through Bless-Mic Limited and paid it into Fortuna Tyke Limited GT Bank account 0148811374 in Nigeria,
It was agreed that Fortuna Tyke would transfer the dollar equivalent of the amount at an agreed rate to Super Gold Wilson General Trading Company in Dubai within 24 hours.
Based on the agreement entered into on January 20, 2016, Fortuna Tyke was to remit the sum of $1.2 million to Super Gold Wilson Trading, but which the petition alleged has not been remitted.
A source at the commission said investigation showed that Chief Egbe Akparaukwu of the PNAI nominated Fortuna Tyke for the business.
The source was however silent on the statement of Chief Akparaukwu to the commission, but stated he was sometimes a guest of the commission.
The petitioner raised the alarm that since there was no proof of payment, the commission should move fast to save Bless-Mic from been swindled.
Also, the fear was raised that some of the principal actors in the scam might disappear from the country.
Investigation of the scam, it was learnt had been extended to other security agencies because of the involvement of companies outside the shores of the country.
“We are yet to conclude investigation of the alleged scam. The matter involves companies registered outside Nigeria. It is a complex matter,” the source said