EFCC arraigns Dutch couple, firm for $330,000 oil vessel fraud

A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Tuesday, remanded a Dutch national, Peiter Borremans, and his wife, Nkechi, in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for allegedly swindling two firms out of the sum of $330,000 meant for the purchase of a marine tanker vessel.

The couple and a firm, Lagon Trade Limited, were arraigned by the EFCC before Justice E. A. Obile on two counts of fraud and felony.

Peiter and Nkechi pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

It was learnt that the defendants had on July 31, 2014, allegedly conned their victims, Jackkyson Multi Services Limited and Alot General Services Limited, to part with the sum of $330,000 as upfront payment for the purchase of a marine tanker vessel.

The prosecuting counsel, J. N. Dogonyaro, urged the court to remand them in the Port Harcourt Correctional Centre pending the determination of the matter.

Counsel for the 1st, 2nd and 4th defendants, C. A. Okowanye, prayed the court to remand his clients in the custody of the EFCC because of COVID-19 concerns.

Justice Obile ordered that the defendants be remanded in the custody of the EFCC and adjourned the matter till March 31, 2021, for trial.