How MLM coy defrauded me, investor tells court

An investor, Darlington Agomuo, on Wednesday narrated his ordeal with a Multi Level Marketing (MLM) company, Convent Options Limited, that allegedly defrauded him of N3.430m, after he was coerced to register 75 people with N20,000 each.
He told an Ikeja High Court that he was introduced to the company by one Daniel Inyang, who convinced him that the company was real.
“I was sceptical at first but the Managing Director of the company,  Chibogum Benson Oraelosi, convinced me that her company is genuine and that they have partners abroad.
“She explained to me how the MLM works, convincing me that after I register with N20,000, I would have to bring three more people who are also expected to bring more people. She further convinced me that I would get a certain percentage from all the people that register under me.
He however said that after registering the 75 people, Oraelosi refused to give him his commission.
“She became evasive and started avoiding all of us. Efforts to reach out to her proved abortive. It even got to a point that she stationed two mobile policemen in front of her office, which in turn harassed and intimidated us.
“After efforts to get my money became abortive I wrote a petition to the SCID, where she was invited. The former Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, even ordered her to pay up, but she refused.
He added that Oraelesi even lied to them that she would be printing recharge cards as part of the business after she had collected N10,000 from us for the purchase of the so called recharge cards.
“She even went as far as telling us that Azsa Micro Finance Bank with office in Isolo would help source for funds to finance the business. We even had meetings with the MD of the bank,” he said.
The matter was reported to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission where Oraelosi was arrested in her hideout in Lekki after she had been summoned by the Commission 24 tines.
Oraelosi is facing a five count charge, which includes; conspiracy to commit fraud and giving false information to the EFCC claiming to have political appointment with the Imo State government.
She however pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The presiding Judge, Justice Hakeem Oshodi, consequently adjourned the matter to January 17, 2017 for continuation of trial.