Police Probe N1 Billion Fraud Allegation Involving Providus Bank, Other Officials

The police in Abuja have launched an investigation into Providus Bank Limited, several of its officials, and another commercial bank over their alleged involvement in a N1 billion fraud scam.

Sources indicate that officials from these banks are under scrutiny following a suspicious transfer of approximately N1 billion by Shamsudeen Ahmed, a bureau de change operator in Abuja. Ahmed had attempted to purchase $1 million from Dubai but discovered that the money had vanished under dubious circumstances.

Detectives are examining the roles of the bank staff in the unauthorized transfer. The suspects allegedly provided three different account details for the transaction, which Ahmed later found to be part of a scheme to defraud him.

According to a petition by Anthony Odule, representing Ahmed and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, the complainant was deceived on December 8, 2023, by suspects identified as Gambo Dahiru, Ibrahim Mohammed, Shaibu Mohammed, and Francis Azubuike (aka Frank). The suspects had promised a legitimate sale of $1 million from Dubai.

The petition details that Ahmed transferred funds to three accounts: N830 million to Ushaib Global Investment Limited, account number: 5400393231 at Providus Bank, N330 million to Yadiz Oil and Gas Plc Nigeria Limited at another commercial bank, and N10 million to A&M Technology Red Set, account number: 5404168804 at Providus Bank. Upon realizing the scam, Ahmed contacted the banks, requesting they halt the payments and refund the money.

Ahmed stated, “One bank has refunded part of the money, but the other has refused, claiming that the account holders provided value for the funds. Despite my requests to freeze the accounts, the bank has taken no action to prevent this fraud.”

Police sources confirmed that bank officials have been interrogated and six suspects have been arrested, with some funds recovered. Attempts to reach the banks for comment were unsuccessful, as calls to their Head of Corporate Communications went unanswered.