Businessman Abbas Badru Omuyoma, popularly known as Yuri Sande Ismael, will learn next month whether he must stand trial in a Sh8.1 million gold fraud case that has been in court for over three years.
Milimani Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki on Monday set December 9 as the date for delivering the ruling on whether Omuoma has a case to answer. This comes after the prosecution officially closed its case, with the investigating officer being the final witness to testify.
How the Alleged Fraud Unfolded
According to the prosecution, Omuoma is accused of defrauding USD 54,550 — equivalent to Sh8,182,500 — from Belgian national Yvan De Coninck.
The alleged offence took place on August 11, 2021 in Nairobi.
Court documents indicate that Omuoma claimed he was in a position to sell 15 kilograms of gold to the complainant, a claim the prosecution says was false and intended to deceive.
Investigators told the court that the complainant paid the money believing the gold consignment was genuine and would be delivered as promised. The alleged transaction is similar to several other gold-related frauds that have frequently placed Kenya in the spotlight.
Prosecution Closes Its Case
With the State having called its witnesses and presented all exhibits, Prosecutor confirmed that the evidence phase was complete.
The magistrate will now determine whether the evidence presented meets the threshold for the accused to be placed on his defence.
Accused Out on Cash Bail
Omuoma has been attending court sessions while out on cash bail, granted earlier in the proceedings. The conditions of his bail remain in force until the ruling.
What Happens on December 9
If the court finds that the prosecution has established a prima facie case, Omuoma will be required to:
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Testify under oath,
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Give unsworn evidence, or
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Remain silent and rely on his lawyer’s submissions.
If not, he could be acquitted at this stage.
Gold Fraud Cases Under Spotlight
The case comes at a time when Kenyan courts continue to handle multiple fraud cases involving fake gold shipments, fake dealers, and impersonation of government officials in the minerals sector. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has repeatedly warned local and foreign investors about common gold scams involving nonexistent consignments, falsified documents, and fake clearance papers.
As the case enters its final leg, all eyes will be on the Milimani Law Courts on December 9, when the court will decide the next step in the Sh8.1 million gold fraud matter facing businessman Abbas Badru Omuyoma.