A former manager of one of the branches of First Bank PLC in Osogbo, capital of Osun State, Adeniyi Sunday, has been arrested by the state Police Command for allegedly duping customers of the institution to the tune of N650, 850,000.
Sunday, said to have been suspended by the bank management after the act, was said to have duped no fewer than 35 customers of the bank.
The 47-year-old suspect was accused of converting the victims’ money through an illegal act called Proof of Funds.
Proof of funds, according to Wikipedia, refers to “a document that demonstrates the ability of an individual or entity to pay for a specific transaction. A bank statement, security statement, or custody statement usually qualify as proof of funds. Proof of funds is typically required for a large transaction, such as the purchase of a house.”
A statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba, disclosed that the suspect would be charged to court once investigation is concluded.
It reads, “The Osun State Police Command under the leadership of CP Mohammed Umar Abba in its efforts to rid of criminal elements from the State has arrested a serial fraudster, one Adeniyi Sunday Talabi ‘m’ 47 years, a resident of Army Barracks Area, Kelebe, Iragbiji road, Osogbo, a manager in one of the First Bank PLC branches in Osogbo for an offence of fraud, Obtaining money under false pretence (OBT), Conversion and Stealing amounting to the sum of six hundred and fifty million eight hundred and fifty thousand naira only (N650, 850,000) in an illegal product called Proof of Funds which involved a total number of thirty five (35) victims (people).
“It is worthy to note that the said suspect has been suspended by the First Bank Nigeria Plc, his former employers.
“Investigation into the case has since commenced and the suspect and his accomplices would be charged to court upon completion of the investigation.
“The CP re-assures the good people of Osun State of the Command’s commitment to rid the State of criminal elements. He also warns perpetrators of crimes that Osun State will not be a safe haven or a hibernating ground for them.”
