The Rose of Sharon, a philanthropic organization founded by one of Africa’s richest women, Folorunsho Alakija to empower widows as well give scholarships, up to the university, for their children and orphans was defrauded to the tune of N3m.
This revelation came to light when an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ganiyu Wasiu, on Monday told an Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court how one Vincent Ayewah, an employee of the foundation, allegedly connived with his friends and siblings to forge the identity card of the foundation with different names to defraud the organization.
Mr. Wasiu, who works in the Bank Fraud Section of the Commission, said Mrs. Alakija had petitioned the agency.
“The letter of investigation activities were written to banks like Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC bank and others,” said Mr. Wasiu.
“In view of that, other suspects were arrested for which they volunteered their statement under word of caution.
“A search was conducted in the house and premises of the suspects including one Mr. George who is the maker of the forged identity cards.
“The forged identity cards and computer used were all recovered.”
Mr. Ayewah is facing a two-count charge of conspiring with his siblings and friends to steal N3 million from the Foundation.
Judge Hakeem Oshodi adjourned the trial to June 1.
