Woman Arraigned For Posing As Customs Officer, Defrauding Victims Of Over N34m In Lagos

A 59-year-old woman, Rakiyat Musa, has been arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Tinubu, Lagos Island, for allegedly impersonating a Nigerian Customs officer and defrauding multiple victims of over ₦34 million.

During the court session on Thursday, July 24, 2025, Magistrate B.I. Amos heard that Musa, in collaboration with still-at-large accomplices, orchestrated a fraud scheme between April and July 2025. The charges against her include conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, stealing, impersonation, and conduct likely to cause public unrest.

Prosecutor Inspector Cyriacus Osuji revealed that the defendant deceived several individuals by promising them supplies of rice and groundnut oil, using a fake Customs ID to support her claims. Among her victims was Mr. Damilare Sodiq, President of Power House Cooperative in Kosofe, Lagos, from whom she allegedly obtained ₦13.48 million.

She reportedly defrauded three others; Mr. Chukwudi Joshua (₦5.35 million), Mr. Mathew Nworie (₦2.6 million), and Mr. Okereke Johnson (₦2.686 million). In addition to these sums, Musa allegedly stole ₦10 million more from the complainants.

Her actions, according to the prosecution, violate Sections 411, 314, 287, and 380(1) of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

Musa pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court granted her bail in the sum of ₦2.5 million, requiring two sureties in the same amount. The sureties must be employed, resident in Lagos, and provide proof of tax payment. The defendant must also deposit ₦500,000 as part of the bail terms.

The case has been adjourned to August 11, 2025, for further hearing.