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By Our Correspondent
A growing concerns over alleged criminal activities of a young man across Cross River and other parts of the country, victims have come forward with allegations against Boniface Okana Okoli, accusing him of orchestrating multiple fraudulent schemes that have left individuals and businesses in financial ruin.
According to reports, Okoli, an indigene of Bekwarra Local Government Area in Cross River State, based in Lagos, has been allegedly running scams disguised as lucrative deals involving the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA). Victims claim he has exploited their trust, collecting large sums of money with false promises of securing auctioned vehicles, only to disappear after receiving payment.
“For years, Okoli has reportedly built an image of credibility by associating himself with politicians, business moguls, and government officials.
“He frequently takes photographs with influential figures, using these images to convince unsuspecting victims that he has connections in high places. This calculated deception has enabled him to gain the confidence of individuals seeking business opportunities, particularly in the automobile sector.
” His primary tactic involves claiming to have exclusive access to NPA vehicle auctions, offering high-end cars and trucks at significantly reduced prices.
“One of the many victims, Dominic Okweche, shared his ordeal of losing ₦7 million in an alleged scam involving a truck purchase. Okweche, believing Okoli’s claims, made the payment in anticipation of receiving his vehicle.
“However, after the money was transferred, Okoli cut off all communication, leaving Okweche with neither the truck nor any hope of recovering his funds. Similarly, Ogar Clement (MC) reported losing ₦11 million under the same pretense, falling for what appeared to be a legitimate business deal facilitated by Okoli’s false assurances”, the report said.
In what is described as one of Okoli’s most audacious scams, an anonymous Bekwarra citizen reportedly paid ₦30 million for two Lexus L570 SUVs, which Okoli claimed were available through an NPA auction. The victim, believing in Okoli’s credibility, transferred the funds, expecting prompt delivery of the vehicles. However, just like in previous cases, Okoli disappeared immediately after receiving the money, leaving the victim in despair.
Victims have described Okoli as a master manipulator who preys on individuals eager to invest in what they believe are exclusive deals. Reports indicate that his fraudulent activities extend beyond Cross River and Lagos, affecting victims from various parts of Nigeria. His ability to gain the trust of business owners, traders, and entrepreneurs has made him particularly dangerous, as he uses their financial aspirations against them.
Several individuals who have fallen victim to his scams say they have tried to reach out to him for refunds, only to be met with silence. Some have even attempted to track him down in Lagos, but his ability to constantly change locations and evade detection has made it difficult for them to recover their losses. Many victims, unable to bear the financial setbacks, are now calling on law enforcement agencies to take urgent action.
“This man is ruining lives and walking free,” one of the victims lamented. “People have taken loans and borrowed money just to do business with him, only to realize they’ve been scammed. The authorities must act now before he destroys more lives.”
Frustrated victims have filed official complaints, urging law enforcement agencies to investigate Okoli and bring him to justice. Some are also calling on the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to publicly address the situation and disassociate itself from the fraudulent activities being carried out in its name. They believe that a strong stance from the agency will prevent more people from being deceived.
As of now, Okoli remains at large, reportedly continuing his fraudulent activities with impunity. His ability to evade capture raises concerns about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s justice system in handling financial crimes of this magnitude. Victims are appealing to security agencies, media organizations, and the general public to help track him down and ensure that he is held accountable for his actions.
The public is advised to remain cautious and report any suspicious dealings linked to Okoli to the appropriate authorities, the report added
