An Australia-based Nigerian, Foluso Omole, has been arrested by the Australian Federal Police at Adelaide Airport over his alleged involvement in a $5 million fraud involving the National Disability Insurance Scheme. He was reportedly arrested last Friday while allegedly preparing to leave Australia for Nigeria.

Omole, 38, appeared before the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Monday, where his bail application was refused. Prosecutors told the court that he had purchased a one-way ticket to Nigeria and appeared to have cut ties in Adelaide. They also alleged that he had transferred significant amounts of money to Nigeria, where his wife lives.

The court heard that Omole worked as an NDIS coordinator and operated two businesses employing several staff. Prosecutors alleged that he received information improperly from a woman working for the National Disability Insurance Agency over a six-year period and used the information to obtain benefits fraudulently. The woman has also been charged in connection with the alleged scheme.

However, Omole’s lawyer, Mark Twiggs, disputed the claim that his client intended to flee Australia, saying Omole had planned to travel to London on a return ticket purchased before authorities raided the woman’s home. Omole has not entered pleas to charges involving alleged dealings with proceeds of crime worth more than $1 million. Magistrate Patrick Hill nevertheless refused bail, citing concerns that he posed a flight risk.