The First Hall of the Civil yesterday ordered three couples to return the full sum of e164,224 that they borrowed from Gaetano and Mary Abdilla.

The court, presided over by Mr Justice Joseph Azzopardi heard how, in May 1991, the Abdillas lent a total of e164,224/Lm7,650 to three couples.

However, one of the couples decided to invest the money in Nigeria. When Mr Abdilla found out he was very angry because he knew that all business schemes that involved Nigeria were scams.

The court heard how the couples promised to return the money but, after several excuses, only e3,813/ Lm1,640 was returned.

As a result, Mr Justice Azzopardi ordered the three couples to pay back the Abdillas the full sum of e164,224 and requested the Police Commissioner to investigate and see if any legal action needs to be taken against the responsible parties.

Dr Jose Herrera and Dr David Camilleri appeared for the Abdillas.