Court Declares Businesswoman Wanted Over N28.5m Fraud Allegation

A Federal High Court in Lagos has granted an order declaring a businesswoman, Uyime Akpan, wanted over allegations of fraud amounting to N28.5 million.

Justice Friday Ogazi issued the order following an ex parte application filed by the Police Special Fraud Unit in Ikoyi. The unit sought permission to declare Akpan wanted and to publish her details to aid in her apprehension.

The application, presented by Chief Superintendent of Police M.Y. Bello, requested that Akpan be placed on the official wanted list of the PSFU and that her name be published in national newspapers and on police social media platforms.

In his ruling, Justice Ogazi stated that the application had merit and granted the reliefs sought by the police.

“Having carefully considered the application and the submissions of counsel, there is merit in granting the relief sought,” the judge held.

The court accordingly ordered that Uyime Akpan be declared wanted and placed on the wanted list of the Police Special Fraud Unit until she is arrested and prosecuted. It also authorized the police to publish her name in national dailies and on official social media handles to facilitate the order.

The Department of State Services, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and the Nigeria Customs Service were listed as co-respondents in the suit.

The PSFU stated that the order was necessary in the interest of justice to ensure the suspect’s arrest and possible prosecution.