EFCC Arraigns Former NEDC Coordinator, One Other Over N2.28 Billion Fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arraigned a former National Coordinator of the North East Development Commission’s Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project, Alhaji Danjuma Mohammed, and Prince Chibuike Echem over an alleged N2.28 billion fraud.

They were brought before Justice K. N. Ogbonnaya of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Zuba, Abuja, on a 54-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and forgery. A third suspect, Aminu Alhaji, remains at large.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants, between May 2022 and February 2024, conspired to defraud a private firm, Diamond Leeds Limited, by falsely claiming they had the authority to award and execute contracts under the NEDC’s Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery and Stability Programme.

One of the counts specifies that the defendants fraudulently obtained ₦573.5 million from the company between January and December 2023, paid into a Wema Bank account belonging to Prince Chibuike Echem.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following their plea, the prosecution counsel, Adeola Olarenwaju, requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendants in custody. Defence counsel informed the court of a pending bail application.

The prosecution opposed an immediate hearing, stating the application was served late and they needed time to respond. Justice Ogbonnaya granted the prosecution time to reply and ordered the defendants remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre.

The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2026, for the commencement of trial.