By Milcah Tanimu

Abubakar Mannir, a Bureau de Change (BDC) operator operating under Emirates Booth Company, has been accused of defrauding Mr. Manas Das, the Chief Executive Officer of Allkraft Technology and Industries Limited, of $737,015.00.

Mr. Das, a Nigeria-based Indian businessman, engaged Mannir to purchase $900,000 in United States dollars (USD) under three agreements. Allkraft transferred 100% of the Naira equivalent to $900,000 to the Zenith Bank account of Emirates Booth in December 2023.

However, Mannir reportedly only paid $162,985 to Mr. Das through Emirates Booth and absconded without settling the balance of $737,015.00.

According to Abdulrahman Abubakar, the General Manager of Allkraft Technology and Industries Limited, Mannir was scheduled to meet with representatives from both companies on January 14, 2024, to ensure the payments were made the next day. However, Mannir disappeared, and subsequent attempts to contact him were unsuccessful.

Despite efforts to trace Mannir, including police involvement and reports that he had fled to Niger, his whereabouts remain unknown. Mr. Das is now facing financial difficulties and is struggling to pay salaries to staff and laborers.

Mannir’s younger brother, Abubakar Imam, stated that they have been unable to contact Mannir and are unaware of his current location.

Earlier this year, Mannir was reportedly released from prison over another fraud case involving Zenith Bank.

The Kano State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, confirmed that the police are aware of the matter and have commenced an investigation.

The case underscores the risks associated with fraudulent activities in financial transactions and highlights the importance of due diligence and vigilance in business dealings.