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The owner of the Nigerian government-appointed company which produces visas for people wishing to travel to Nigeria from around the world is facing charges of fraud and money laundering in Nigeria in relation to a different company, the BBC has learnt in a joint investigation with the Premium Times.
There is no suggestion of wrongdoing by the visa-processing company and the allegations have no relation to the management of the visa business.
Mahmood Ahmadu, together with his former company Drexel Tech, was charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on two counts of fraud and three counts of money laundering.
Three others, including former Interior Minister Abba Moro, face charges of fraud and breach of public procurement laws.
All those charged, including Mr Moro and Mr Ahmadu, deny any wrongdoing.
Mr Ahmadu has been highly regarded in Nigeria and was given the Order Of The Niger, a prestigious national award, by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.
His lawyers say at no time did the EFCC or any other authority in Nigeria or elsewhere declare him “wanted”. They say he is not standing trial. He maintains his innocence and his lawyers deny that he is facing charges.
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But the EFCC charge sheet alleges that Mr Ahmadu, together with other defendants, was involved in organising a recruitment exercise that led to the deaths of Nigerians.
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