The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned four Chinese nationals and one Nigerianbefore the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja over allegations of running a fraudulent hotel review scheme.
Defendants and Charges
The suspects:
- Liu Zhiwei
- Chen Ye Qui
- Zhang Xiao Wen
- Lan Shun Bin
- Nwakama Chinyere Ogbonna (a.k.a Haron Koshear)
were brought before Justice Aliyu Halilu on a three-count charge of conspiracy, cheating, and impersonation.
According to the EFCC, the accused individuals allegedly manipulated hotel ratings by using fictitious identities to falsely promote establishments—including hotels in London—as five-star accommodations. The fraudulent reviews were sold for $5 per review.
Court Proceedings and Bail Hearing
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
- The prosecution, led by Maryam Aminu Ahmed, requested a trial date and for the accused to be remanded in custody.
- The defence counsel, Yahaya Dangana (SAN), applied for bail on behalf of the accused.
Justice Aliyu Halilu scheduled the bail hearing for March 27, 2025, and ordered:
- Liu Zhiwei, Chen Ye Qui, Zhang Xiao Wen, and Lan Shun Bin to be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.
- Nwakama Chinyere Ogbonna to be held at Suleja Correctional Centre.
Details of the Charges
Count One (Conspiracy & Cheating)
The EFCC alleges that in December 2024, the defendants:
- Conspired to cheat unsuspecting victims by using a fake Telegram identity (Haron Koshear) to falsely promote hotels as five-star establishments for a $5 payment per review.
- Knew that these hotels did not meet five-star standards.
This violates Section 96(1)(a) of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 97(1)(2).
Count Two (Impersonation & Fraud)
The second charge states that Nwakama Chinyere Ogbonna:
- Falsely represented himself as Haron Koshear, a Customer Service Representative for Venus Spark Impact Media.
- Aided the management of Venus Spark Impact Media in promoting Nox Edgware Road as a five-star hotel in exchange for payments.
This violates Section 321 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 324.
Background of the Case
The EFCC arrested 105 suspects linked to this scam on January 9, 2025, at a business apartment in Gudu, Abuja.
- The scheme targeted victims and hotels across Europe and other regions.
- The accused allegedly ran a fraudulent hotel review job, misleading travelers and potential hotel guests.
Legal Implications
This case highlights the growing crackdown on digital fraud in Nigeria, particularly scams that:
- Exploit online rating systems.
- Use fake identities and impersonation to mislead the public.
- Defraud businesses and individuals through fraudulent marketing tactics.
The trial continues as the EFCC pushes for convictions.
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