EFCC arraigns couple over alleged N1.09bn contract fraud in Ado-Ekiti

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a couple, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, before a Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged N1.09 billion contract scam.

The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency brought the defendants before Justice Abubakar Usman on a six-count charge, including obtaining money under false pretences and retention of proceeds of crime.

According to a statement posted on the EFCC’s X handle on Monday, the petitioners alleged that the first defendant approached a widow, Anazia Kenechukwu, to finance a road construction contract supposedly awarded to him by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission. The complainant later reported the matter to the EFCC after the deal collapsed.

Investigations revealed that a total sum of N1.98 billion was paid into the first defendant’s Access Bank account. The funds were allegedly diverted to acquire properties in Ado-Ekiti, including a lounge and a four-bedroom bungalow. The EFCC has obtained an interim order for the seizure of the properties, believed to be proceeds of the alleged crime.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the court adjourned the case for further hearing.