Businessman Faces Arrest Over Alleged $651,280 Fraud

The Chief Magistrate Court in Bwari Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has issued an arrest warrant for Dr. Bright Echefu, a prominent businessman and Chief Executive Officer of Briech Intelligence Fusion Limited. The court’s decision follows allegations of fraud amounting to $651,280.

Dr. Echefu, who also serves as the Managing Director of Telecom Satellite Television (TSTV), is accused of defrauding BCG NEEDS Company by falsely claiming he would supply drones and accessories. According to the complaint, the agreement, documented under a Local Purchase Order dated October 21, 2022, resulted in the delivery of goods valued at $651,280. However, Echefu allegedly became unreachable and failed to remit payment despite repeated demands.

Magistrate Okechukwu John Akweke granted the motion for Echefu’s arrest after John Paul Eze of O.J. Law Consult presented the case. The magistrate directed the issuance of a bench warrant against both Echefu and Briech Intelligence Fusion Limited, mandating their appearance in court in compliance with Section 113 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. The case has been adjourned to December 9, 2024.

BCG NEEDS alleged that Echefu and his company criminally misappropriated the drones, accessories, and payment under the guise of legitimate business. The complainant claimed that since the agreed delivery date, Echefu had evaded all efforts to resolve the issue.

In a separate legal matter, Dr. Echefu, alongside his companies TSTV and Briechberg Investment Limited, is facing charges of tax evasion and money laundering at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/254/2023, outlines serious allegations, including the misappropriation of taxes such as VAT, company income tax, and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) deductions for 165 employees.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accuses Echefu and his co-defendants of diverting N33.9 million, N13.5 million, and N19.4 million in taxes intended for the Federal Government as of May 18, 2020. The offenses are reportedly punishable under Section 15 of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act 2011 (amended in 2012).