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Fraud

Aug 28, 2025

FRN vs Alexander Uchenna Ozougwu

Humans

Alexander Uchenna Ozougwu

Money bag

N1,323,850,000.00
Amount allegedly defrauded

Money bag

Case Summary
The accused (a Legal Practitioner), allegedly presented himself as a registered bureau de change operator with the Central Bank of Nigeria through which he earned the trust of his victims and collected the passwords to their betting accounts and promising that he was going to help them fund their accounts, but ended up diverting their funds. It was also alleged that he (the accused) was operating a ponzi scheme under the guise of exchanging dollars for his victims and channeling most of the funds to various betting platforms. The total said sum was discovered to have been allegedly diverted from the accounts of his victims, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.

Calendar

197
Day(s) since arraignment

Gavel

Case Update
In view of the defendant's plea, the trial judge thereafter granted him bail in the sum of N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be civil servants of grade level 12 and above, and must have landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court. The court also ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport and two recent passport photographs with the court. Furthermore, the judge adjourn the matter for the commencement of trial.

Court house

Hon. Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah
Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom

Legislation

ACJA/ACJL Compliance - not applicable

Case Information
Alexander Uchenna Ozougwu
Presiding Judge & Designated Court
Hon. Justice Chigozie Sergius Onah, Federal High Court, Uyo, Akwa-Ibom
Nature and Number of Charges
6-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.
Date of 1st Arraignment
Feb 12, 2025
Summary of Case
The accused (a Legal Practitioner), allegedly presented himself as a registered bureau de change operator with the Central Bank of Nigeria through which he earned the trust of his victims and collected the passwords to their betting accounts and promising that he was going to help them fund their accounts, but ended up diverting their funds. It was also alleged that he (the accused) was operating a ponzi scheme under the guise of exchanging dollars for his victims and channeling most of the funds to various betting platforms. The total said sum was discovered to have been allegedly diverted from the accounts of his victims, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 18(2)(d) of the Money laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.
Defendant(s) and Plea entered on Arraignment
1. Alexander Uchenna Ozougwu – Not guilty
Defence Counsel(s)
1. C. M. Onuchukwu (Lawyer)
Prosecuting Agency
Economic and Financial Crimes Commission
Prosecutor(s)
1. J. O. Abolarin (Lawyer)
Status of Case
On Trial
Stage of Trial
Prosecution Stage
Length of Trial
197 day(s)
Case Update
In view of the defendant's plea, the trial judge thereafter granted him bail in the sum of N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be civil servants of grade level 12 and above, and must have landed properties within the jurisdiction of the court. The court also ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport and two recent passport photographs with the court. Furthermore, the judge adjourn the matter for the commencement of trial.
ACJA/ACJL Compliance
Not Applicable