Two Nigerian businessmen in court for alleged $20,000 fraud over crude oil deal

Two Nigerian businessmen, Patrick Piniki, 57, and Adawale Julius, 52, have appeared before the Dansoman Circuit Court for allegedly defrauding a colleague of $20,000 under the pretense of securing a vessel loaded with crude oil from Nigeria.

They both pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy and defrauding by false pretenses. A third suspect, Engineer Chidi, is on the run.

The complainant, Sawine Menual, was introduced to Piniki in November 2024 and later met Julius.

They demanded $10,000 for a vessel manager and another $10,000 for loading, but the vessel never arrived.

Only $3,200 was refunded. After failed attempts to recover his money, the complainant reported the case, leading to their arrest.

The court has adjourned the case to April 2, 2025.