A Federal High Court in Lagos State on Thursday, has ordered the arrest of a ponzi scheme operator, Victoria Imase-Regal, over alleged N36.45 million fraud.
The bench warrant order made by Justice Tijani Ringim was issued based on a request from the state prosecutor, Justin Enang, from the Police Special Fraud unit.
Victoria Imase was charged alongside her four companies on seven-counts of conspiracy, issuance of dud cheques and obtaining by false pretense.
According to reports, the defendant used her companies to defraud her victims on promises to bring double returns on their investment.
According to the Justin, the offences committed are contrary to Section 8(a); 1(1)(a) and punishable under Section 1(3) of the Advance Fee fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and Section 1(1) of the Dishonoured Cheques Act, Cap 011, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Justin on Thursday told the court that the defendant had refused to show up since her administrative bail was granted by the Police.
The prosecutor, therefore, urged the court to issue a bench warrant against her. “Bench Warrant is hereby issued against the defendant,” Justin said.
The case was adjourned to April 24, 2023, for the arraignment of the defendant.
The judge however stated that the defendant might be arraigned before the stipulated time if she is arrested before then.
Her victims include Iyoha Gabriel, Adebeshin Opeoluwa, Kayode Fowode and Samson Martins.
