Lillian Wangui Odwoma
The Milimani Law Courts have charged businesswoman Lillian Wangui Odwoma, alias Lilian Weru, with defrauding a Nairobi-based investor of Sh30 million and USD 50,000 through a scheme allegedly disguised as an international financial investment deal.
Lillian Wangui Odwoma, alias Lilian Weru, appeared before Duty Magistrate Dolphina Alego, where she denied multiple counts of fraud, money laundering, and obtaining money by false pretenses.
According to the prosecution, Odwoma allegedly posed as an agent of Pacific Concord International FZC, a company purportedly based in Dubai, and promised to help the complainant, Elizabeth Wanjiku Muigai, secure a standby letter of credit to boost her business.
Instead, she is accused of orchestrating an elaborate scheme to defraud the victim of approximately USD 50,000 (approximately Sh6.5 million) and Sh30 million using fake documentation and false promises.
“On diverse dates between May 6, 2024, and May 20, 2024, in the Westlands area, jointly with others not before the court, the accused conspired to defraud Elizabeth Wanjiku Muigai by pretending she could secure a standby letter of credit from Pacific Concord International,” read part of the charge sheet.
In Count Two, Odwoma is charged with obtaining money by false pretences—an offence under Section 313 of the Penal Code.
The court heard that she misled the complainant with the intent to defraud, while fully aware the claims were untrue.
The prosecution also levelled two additional charges under the Proceeds of Crime and Anti-Money Laundering Act, 2009, one for the acquisition and another for the use of suspected criminal proceeds.
“Between May 6 and September 10, 2024, in Nairobi County, the accused acquired and transacted USD 50,000 and Sh30 million through two Credit Bank accounts in her name, despite knowing or having reason to believe the funds were proceeds of crime,” stated the prosecution.
The bank accounts listed in court are both registered under the name Lilian Wangui Odwoma. According to investigators, the accused allegedly used the accounts to launder the stolen funds in an attempt to hide their origin.
The prosecution vehemently objected to her release on bond, saying she may abscond from court.
Her lawyer, John Swaka, urged the court to release her on reasonable bail terms, saying she is willing to abide by all conditions set by the court.
The magistrate ordered the accused to be remanded in custody until Monday, when the court will deliver a ruling on bond terms.
