The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two suspects, Sulaiman Inuwa Zakiru and Aliyu Ahmed, before the Kano State High Court for allegedly impersonating Alhaji A.A. Rano, a well-known oil tycoon and owner of A.A. Rano Oil and Gas Limited.
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Appearing before Justice Amina Adamu Aliyu, the suspects were slammed with two counts bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money under false pretenses.
According to the EFCC, Zakiru and Ahmed deceived their victims by claiming to be representatives of A.A. Rano Oil and Gas Limited. They allegedly promised to facilitate oil allocations, with Zakiru reportedly informing one of the victims that Alhaji A.A. Rano himself would reach out after a courtesy visit.
Subsequently, a caller pretending to be A.A. Rano offered petroleum products valued at N12 million. Trusting the proposal, the victims transferred the amount into two bank accounts supplied by the accused persons. It was only after the transaction that the victims discovered the real A.A. Rano had no knowledge of the deal.
The suspects, however, pleaded not guilty during their arraignment. Prosecution counsel Zarami Mohammed requested the court to remand them in a correctional facility, pending the commencement of trial.
Justice Aliyu granted the application, ordering the remand of the defendants and adjourning the matter until May 22, 2025.
