BySodiq Lawal
A Lagos State Magistrate Court has remanded Aichetu Abdullahi, a 43-year-old female employee of Arik Aviation, to the Kirikiri Correctional Center for allegedly siphoning N22 million from the company’s account.
The incident occurred at Arik Aviation’s Lagos office, where Abdullahi is accused of repeatedly accessing a dormant company account without authorization between October 8, 2012, and June 22, 2024, transferring funds to her personal Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) account.
The fraud was uncovered during an internal audit, which revealed unauthorized withdrawals traced directly to Abdullahi’s account. Confronted with the evidence, she was unable to deny her involvement. The company subsequently reported the matter to the Makinde Police Division, leading to Abdullahi’s arrest.
She was charged in the Ogba Magistrate Court, where she pleaded not guilty to the allegations. According to the charge sheet, she is accused of logging into the company’s account and converting the funds for personal use, violating Sections 280 and 287 of the Lagos State criminal law.
Prosecutor Inspector John Iberedem requested a hearing date, as Abdullahi pleaded not guilty, allowing the police to present evidence against her. The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. E. Kubenije, granted bail at N1.5 million, requiring two sureties who must demonstrate financial stability and tax payment.
The case is scheduled for mention on August 20, 2024, while Abdullahi remains in custody at the correctional center until her bail conditions are met.