By KT Reporter
The Chief Magistrate’s Court in Pader has remanded Lillian Akullu, the proprietor of Benlinna Financial Institution, to Pader Government Prison-Kineni over allegations of obtaining money under pretense.
Akullu appeared before Martins Kirya, where she was formally charged. She is accused of defrauding residents by collecting money under the pretense of offering loans that were never delivered.
Among the complainants are Esther Acora, who deposited 800,000 Shillings, Charles Owot, 425,000, and Anyango Evelyn, 200,000 Shillings.
Akullu, while appearing before the court, denied receiving money. However, she admitted taking 400,000 Shillings from Simon Odoch, 100,000 from Walter Okok, and 120,000 Shillings from Bosco Oryem.
Akullu further insisted that her financial business is genuine and registered with the town council authorities, claiming that she has over 38 million Shillings tied up in unpaid loans from clients. She maintained that the accusations were baseless and her operations were legal.
Her arrest followed complaints from women in Acholpii, Pader Sub-county, who claimed they deposited money but received no loans. Police records indicate Akullu previously operated under the name Ben Financial Institution and faced similar accusations in Amuru District.
She had also filed a counter-case of threatening violence, which police dismissed as false. However, after the court, most of the frustrated victims threatened to harm the accused person after they alleged she failed to return their money. The court further adjourned the case to April 24 for hearing-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
