Two charity workers charged to court for diverting N55.8 million meant for cancer patients

The defendants used an unregistered Non-government Organisation (NGO) to dupe people.

Two charity workers have been charged to court for allegedly diverting N55.8 million meant for people with medical emergencies.

Michael Yusuf Michael and Martha Daniel Yusuf hid under the pretence of working for an unregistered medical and empowerment NGO to defraud people of their money.

According to reports, the siblings are accused of using one MYM123CARE to gather donations meant especially for cancer patients, only to divert it for personal use.

They were charged with an eight count charge in Kaduna on Wednesday, September 8, almost a month after they were arrested.

“Contributions into the account either through bank transfers or cash lodgments ran into millions of Naira. The defendants instead of using the money to assist the cancer patient, diverted the funds,” EFCC told the court.

It was stated by the EFCC that the offence is a violation of Section 8 (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the same act.

During their appearance in court, the siblings pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them.

Martha was granted bail request on account of her pregnancy but Michael was remanded in custody pending trial.