Marco Ramirez, an American citizen who was
charged on a sixteen-count charge before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja,
has been granted bail in the sum of N76
million, News Agency of Nigeria
reported.
Mr. Ramirez was accused of swindling one Mr.
Godson Echejue of $545,000 by deceiving him to invest in his company. He was
also alleged to have received $10,000 from Abubakar Umar and another $10,000
from Olukayode Sodimu.
As reported by SR. The suspect was first arraigned in court on
June 22, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for obtaining
$565,000 under false presences from the three Nigerians to get them American
green card. Mr Ramirez was then remanded at the Kirikiri Prisons after his
arraignment before Justice Josephine Oyefeso.
Mr. Ramirez was said to have committed the
offenses between February 2013 and August 2013.
He is also the Managing Director of three
companies – USA Now Plc., Eagleford Instalodge Group and USA Now Capital Group.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Josephine
Oyefeso, on Monday, ruled that the defendant must pay the sum of $250,000 and
provide two sureties, one of which must be a resident of Lagos, has landed
property and must be a director of a reputable company in Lagos. He added that
Mr. Ramirez must report to office of EFCC once in a week.
“The defendant is hereby granted $250,000 bail
or its naira equivalent with two sureties in like sum. The current exchange
rate should be put into consideration. One of the sureties should be resident
in Lagos, a director of a reputable company and have landed property in Lagos
State,” Justice Josephine said.
“The sureties must show evidence of source of
livelihood and swear to an affidavit to show same. A copy of the ruling should
be sent to all immigration agencies both land and air. The defendant must also
report to Lagos or Abuja office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
weekly,” the judge added.
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