Court Grants American Fraudster N76m Bail

By Ige Olugbenga with agency report

An American, Marco Ramirez, who was arraigned before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja for defrauding three Nigerians, has been granted bail in the sum of N76 million.

Ramirez is accused of swindling Godson Echejue of $545,000 by deceiving him into investing in his company.

He is also alleged to have received $10,000 from Abubakar Umar and another $10,000 from Olukayode Sodimu.

The suspect was first arraigned in court on June 22 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for obtaining $565,000 under false pretences from the three Nigerians to get them American green card.

Ramirez was remanded at the Kirikiri Prisons after his arraignment before Justice Josephine Oyefeso.

Ramirez is 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 the sureties must be a resident of Lagos, has landed property and must be a director of a reputable company in Lagos.

He added that Ramirez must report to the office of the EFCC once 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.

“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 said.