Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has fallen victim to a sophisticated fraud, losing a $6.3 million private jet to a deceptive Nigerian couple. The incident, which has been kept under wraps, raises questions about the governor’s financial dealings and the integrity of those involved.
Key Takeaways
- Governor Dauda Lawal lost a $6.3 million private jet to a fraudulent scheme.
- The jet was initially registered under a couple’s name to conceal the purchase.
- The couple, Ovi and Gloria Osazele, had a fallout, leading to the jet’s ownership being transferred to Ovi.
- Gloria fled to Canada, claiming her life was in danger, while Ovi is reportedly at large.
- Lawal has remained silent to avoid scrutiny over his financial capabilities.
The Fraudulent Scheme
In 2014, Dauda Lawal, then a banker at First Bank of Nigeria Plc, purchased a private jet worth $6.3 million. To avoid raising suspicions about his financial capacity, he registered the jet under the names of Ovi and Gloria Osazele, a couple running Jet Leasing Support Services Ltd. The company was known for managing aircraft for high-net-worth individuals.
Lawal paid a $250,000 broker fee to the couple to hold the title and manage the jet. However, the arrangement soured when Ovi changed the jet’s ownership to his name after separating from Gloria. Ovi then fled to the United States, leaving Lawal in a precarious situation.
The Fallout
Gloria discovered the ownership change in 2015 and claimed she tried to recover the jet for Lawal. However, sources close to the governor believe she was complicit in the scheme. The couple’s relationship deteriorated, ending in a divorce in 2020. Gloria subsequently fled to Canada, alleging that Ovi had sent cult members to kill her over their disagreement about the jet.
Legal and Political Implications
Gloria’s asylum application in Canada was initially rejected due to inconsistencies but was later remanded for a fresh evaluation. Meanwhile, Lawal has been unable to retrieve the jet and remains silent to avoid questions about his financial dealings.
Lawal’s name has also been linked to Diezani Allison-Madueke’s multibillion-dollar money-laundering scandal. He was accused of trying to retrieve $40 million from over $153 million forfeited by Allison-Madueke to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Lawal has denied all allegations, insisting his relationship with Allison-Madueke was purely professional.
Conclusion
The fraudulent scheme involving Governor Dauda Lawal and the Osazele couple highlights the complexities and risks associated with high-value transactions. As Lawal continues to navigate the legal and political ramifications, the whereabouts of the jet and the couple remain uncertain.