Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has adjourned judgment in the alleged $1.2 million visa scam involving American businessman Marco Antonio Ramirez to September 10, 2024.
Ramirez, alongside his companies USA NOW LLC, Eagle Ford Instalodge Group LP, and USA Now Energy Capital Group LP, faces charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges allege Ramirez obtained funds from victims under the guise of processing fees for the EB-5 Investor Program, promising eligibility for a U.S. Green Card but failing to deliver.
Initially arraigned on a 12-count charge, Ramirez pleaded “not guilty.” On June 24, 2022, he was re-arraigned on an amended 16-count charge. Specific charges include converting $545,000 from Godson Onyemaechi Echegile and $314,800 from Abubakar Umar Sadiq for personal use.
Additionally, on Monday, the court heard a separate amended nine-count charge involving a $368,698.24 fraud. This includes allegations of obtaining $250,000 from Gabriel Ogie Edeoghon and $50,281.33 from Oludare Talabi under false pretenses.
Proceedings were delayed multiple times due to the absence of the defense counsel and the defense’s failure to submit final written addresses. However, the final addresses were adopted on May 8, 2024, leading to today’s adjournment for judgment.
