Nepali Businessman Alleges N1.6 Billion Fraud Linked to Meetings at Police Headquarters

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

A Nepali businessman has alleged that he was defrauded of ₦1.6 billion in a sophisticated investment and travel scheme that he claims was orchestrated with the apparent credibility of meetings held at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.

The allegations were made public by social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), during an interview with the businessman, identified as Bista.

According to Bista, a Nepalese national based in Malaysia, he travelled to Nigeria in 2023 at the invitation of a Cameroonian associate, Emmanuel Masa, who allegedly introduced him to what was presented as a lucrative international travel opportunity through Fredlock Mine in partnership with Asman Airlines. The proposed destination was Suriname, a South American country bordering Brazil.

Bista alleged that the scheme appeared credible because several meetings were reportedly held within the premises of the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. He claimed that police officers in uniform assured him and other participants that the transaction was legitimate and that those involved could be trusted.

He further alleged that he and his associates made multiple payments covering visa processing, flight tickets, boarding passes, aviation fuel, permits and various clearance charges. According to him, he transferred as much as ₦90 million in a single day as part of the arrangement.

The businessman also claimed that police vehicles were used to pick up some of his associates from their hotels, after which large sums of money were allegedly demanded for their release. He further alleged that fraudulent documents, including boarding passes and purported government letters, were produced to sustain the scheme.

Bista also accused the Managing Director of Asman Airlines of being aware of the operation and of receiving payments, although no evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate the allegation.

Speaking on his attempts to seek justice, Bista alleged that the ordeal worsened after he reported the matter. He claimed that some officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) demanded bribes, that the investigation stalled for several months, and that he was arrested and detained for days without food. He also alleged that Emmanuel Masa frequently boasted of having influential connections within the police and government, making him immune from prosecution.

The businessman said the alleged fraud has had devastating consequences for him and his family. According to him, he cannot return to Nepal because his family has received threats and some of his property has been seized over outstanding debts incurred as a result of the incident. He added that his 83-year-old father is still hoping to see him again.

VeryDarkMan said he has taken up the case and pledged to pursue the matter with the relevant authorities, including the Inspector-General of Police, with the aim of ensuring a thorough investigation, the arrest of those found culpable, and the recovery of the alleged stolen funds.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force, the EFCC, Asman Airlines, and the individuals named in the allegations had not issued official statements responding to the claims. The allegations remain unproven, and no court has determined liability in the matter.