By Francis Ekeh

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arrested an Abuja businessman, Innocent Ezuma, over allegations of defrauding a Ukrainian investor of more than $120m.

Ezuma, 57, was arrested at his Abuja residence on Monday, October 19, and has remained in the commission’s custody.

The EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, confirmed his arrest to our correspondent when contacted on Tuesday.

However, sources said he was accused of advance fee fraud, criminal breach of trust, criminal conversion, obtaining money under false pretences, theft and money laundering.

“Ezuma allegedly obtained the dollars from the Ukrainian investor between 2007 and 2015 for mineral exploration and power projects that were never delivered.

“The funds were allegedly diverted for personal use, while investigators are examining transfers of billions of naira to companies and individuals linked to the businessman, including his children.”

Another source said the commission was expanding its investigation and seeking information from members of the public and the businessman’s former associates.

“The allegations also concern Ezuma’s earlier business dealings in Ukraine and Nigeria.

“In the mid-2000s, he allegedly persuaded two Ukrainian businessmen to finance the privatisation of Jos Steel Rolling Mill in Plateau State before taking exclusive control of the facility, stripping it of assets and abandoning hundreds of workers without wages.

“He was also accused of shooting and seriously injuring one of his business partners during a confrontation in Ukraine on April 28, 2008, before fleeing to Nigeria, ” the source said.

When contacted, Oyewale confirmed that the agency arrested the businessman at this Abuja residence on Monday and has since been in custody.