Trader in court over alleged N14m rice deal fraud

A trader has been arraigned before the High Court in Kaduna over an alleged N14 million rice deal that reportedly went sour.

The defendant, Ahmed Haruna, 40, is facing a single count of fraud brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. Prosecutors allege that he collected payment for a bulk rice supply but failed to fulfil the agreement.

According to prosecuting counsel K.C. James, the transaction took place in 2025 when Haruna received N14 million from a buyer, Aminu Abdulrahman. The court heard that the goods were never delivered and that repeated attempts to recover the money were unsuccessful.

The prosecution further claimed that the funds were diverted for personal use, an act said to breach provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code, which carries a possible prison term of up to five years if proven.

Haruna denied the allegation when the charge was read, entering a not guilty plea.

Presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, granted bail set at N1 million with two sureties in the same amount. The court stipulated that the sureties must reside within its jurisdiction, show evidence of three years of tax payments to the Kaduna State Government, and include at least one close relative of the accused.

Proceedings were adjourned until 30 May for the commencement of hearing.