Nigerian publisher Macmillan charged with $156,700 book fraud

The book publishing company and others are facing a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has charged Macmillan Nigeria publishers, Adesanya Adelekan and one Bola Fasasi with $156,700 book fraud.

EFCC arraigned Mr Fasasi on Monday in Lagos and said Mr Adelekan was at large.

The defendants face an amended six-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences before the Ikeja Special Offences Court.

The commission stated in the charge sheet that “Macmillan Nigeria Publisher, Prof. Adesanya Iyiola Adelekan (now at large) and Fasasi Bola, sometime in 2018, obtained books worth $156,711.87 for sale by false pretences from BHS Book Printing SDN BHD of Selangor, Malaysia.”

It said that under false pretences, the defendants promised to sell the books and remit the proceeds within two weeks of receiving the bill of lading.

“Macmillan Nigeria Publisher, Prof. Adesanya Iyiola Adelekan (now at large) and Fasasi Bola, sometime in 2018 within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, conspired among yourselves to obtain goods by false pretences, property of BHS Book Printing SDN BHD of Selangor, Malaysia,” it added.

Mr Fasasi, however, pleaded not guilty.

Justice Mojisola Dada remanded Mr Fasasi in Ikoyi Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until July 8 for a bail application hearing.

(NAN)

This article originally appeared in People’s Gazette