Staff Dupes Africa's Richest Woman, Alakija of N3million

Mrs Folorunsho Alakija

A male staff of the rose of Sharon foundation allegedly to have defrauded the humanitarian organization to the tune of N3m with the help of his siblings and friends Ganiyu Wasiu, of the Bank Fraud Unit of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, told an Ikeja Division of the Lagos High Court on Monday, April 24.

Wasiu said, Mrs. Alakija had reported the case to the agency.

“The letter of investigation activities were written to banks like Fidelity Bank, Stanbic IBTC bank and others,” said Mr. Wasiu.

The staff Victor Ayewah was accused of  conniving with his friends and siblings to forge the NGO's identity cards using different names for the purpose of defrauding the organization.

“In view of that, other suspects were arrested for which they volunteered their statement under word of caution.

“A search was conducted in the house and premises of the suspects including one Mr. George who is the maker of the forged identity cards.

“The forged identity cards and computer used were all recovered.”

The employee, Vincent Ayewah, is facing a two-count charge of conspiring with his siblings and friends to steal N3 million from the Foundation.

The prosecuting Judge, Judge Hakeem Oshodi adjourned the trial to June 1.

The  foundation which was registered on the 14th of February 2005 and formally launched on the 23rd of May 2008 as a private, voluntary, non-profit, faith based, non-governmental Organisation focused on easing the burdens of existence for widows and orphans.

The foundation has over the years been able to achieve the followings:

1. Support a total of 970 widows with micro credits and given 72 orphans scholarships.

2. 1,366 educational scholarships have been awarded to widows’ children.

3. 11 widows also enjoy The Rose of Sharon Scholarship Scheme in different higher institutions in Nigeria

4. 970 widows are being supported under the foundation’s House/Shop Rental Support Scheme.

5. Since the first empowerment in 17th July, 2009, they have held eight other financial empowerment events over the last three years.
 
The foundation owned by Africa's richest woman and Nigerian business woman, Folorunsho Alakija, caters to widows and orphans.

The Rose of Sharon Foundation has garnered a reputation as a forward looking philanthropic organization aimed at expanding  its operations with other areas of humanitarian needs such as maternal and children’s health and education. These noticeable gaps in the society are evidence enough that the space for development as a major player is tremendous, and the responsibility this brings enormous.

  Alakija is ranked by Forbes as the richest woman in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $2.1 billion.

She is also an Aunt to popular Nigeria artist, DJ Exclusive.