By Gwurld4026 
Hajj Pilgrims Defrauded: EFCC Charges Travel Agency CEO in Gombe
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Mustapha Mohammed, the Chief Executive Officer of MB Lugga Global Travels and Tours Limited, before Justice T.G. Ringim of the Federal High Court in Gombe State. Mohammed faces three counts of intent to defraud and obtaining by false pretenses, totaling ₦144,162,500.
The charges allege that Mohammed, in collaboration with an accomplice identified as Nazifi Sale Idris (currently at large), fraudulently obtained funds from individuals under the pretense of arranging travel packages for the 2024 Ramadan Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia. Specifically, he is accused of collecting ₦97,080,000 from Hamza Ibrahim Maina and ₦29,082,500 from Ibrahim Arabia for flight tickets, visas, and accommodation, which were never provided.
Upon pleading not guilty, the prosecution, led by S.H. Saad, requested a trial date and the defendant’s remand in the Gombe State Correctional Facility. The defense counsel, M.Z. Gambo, applied for bail, which the prosecution opposed, citing additional pending petitions against Mohammed involving alleged fraud totaling ₦120,869,500. The prosecution expressed concerns that granting bail might lead to the defendant fleeing the country.