Justice Nasiru Saminu of the Kano State High Court has sentenced Bulama Abdulrahman to seven years in prison without an option of fine for fraudulently posing as an auctioneer for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was convicted for defrauding victims out of N35 million, using the guise of selling government-forfeited properties.
Bulama faced trial on two counts related to intent to defraud and obtaining money under false pretenses. Evidence presented in court revealed that, in June 2023, he deceived Safiyanu Abdullahi of Tauraro and Property Limited by claiming he had the EFCC’s permission to auction a property in Rijiyar Zaki, Kano. Specifically, he obtained N20 million using fraudulent claims, which led to his conviction.
During the trial, Bulama pleaded not guilty. However, prosecution counsel Musa Isah presented compelling evidence and three witnesses against him, while Bulama relied on his own testimony in defense. After carefully considering the evidence, Justice Saminu found him guilty and Bulama was jailed on the second count but acquitted him on the first.
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In delivering the verdict, Justice Saminu emphasized the need for accountability and the seriousness of the offense. In addition to the prison sentence, the court ordered Bulama to pay restitution of N35 million to his victim. Should he fail to comply, he faces an additional seven years in prison.
Bulama Abdulrahman’s criminal activities are not new; he has a history of fraud. He was previously convicted by the Kano State High Court on June 28, 2021, for a similar offense involving false pretenses, cementing the fact that Bulama was jailed due to his repeated fraudulent actions.
The EFCC has been actively working to combat fraud in Nigeria, ensuring that individuals like Bulama face justice. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against financial crimes in the country.
