LAGOS – A 24-year-old Point of Sale (POS) operator, Shamsudeen Ishiaka, has been accused of defrauding five colleagues of ₦17 million. The case was brought before the Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, where Ishiaka pleaded not guilty to charges of fraud and theft.

Prosecutor Inspector Bassey Sunday informed the court that Ishiaka allegedly collected the money through bank transfers at different times, promising to return it in cash. However, he failed to fulfill this promise and disappeared.

“I trusted him completely,” said Oluwakemi Dada, one of the complainants who allegedly lost ₦7 million. “We all did. None of us imagined he would run away with our hard-earned money.”

The other victims include Nuhu Hassan, who reportedly lost ₦4 million; Ahmed Didat, ₦2.7 million; David Chibuzor, ₦1.8 million; and Dare Oyegoke, ₦1.5 million.

According to Sunday, Ishiaka remained in hiding until the police tracked him down and arrested him. “His actions clearly violate Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015,” the prosecutor stated.

Magistrate O.A. Daodu granted the defendant bail set at ₦1 million, requiring two sureties of equal value. The case was adjourned until April 15 for further proceedings.

Meanwhile, the victims remain hopeful for justice. “We just want our money back,” said Oyegoke. “That’s all we’re asking for.”