EFCC arraigns two for N26m Money Laundering, Vote Buying in Abuja

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Shehu Aliyu Fatange, who identified himself as the Director General of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flag-bearer’s campaign for the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, alongside Esther Ashivelli Dawaki, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

They face charges of money laundering and violating cash transaction limits by allegedly handling N26 million in cash.

The five-count charge accuses Dawaki of conspiring to have Fatange receive N26 million in cash on August 16, 2025, in Kaduna, without using a financial institution, in breach of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

It similarly alleges Fatange accepted that sum from Dawaki on the same date and place, also contravening the Act.

Both pleaded not guilty.

The EFCC said the suspects were arrested on election day after investigators discovered N26,463,000 in cash packed inside Fatange’s Toyota Corolla within a hotel in Kaduna.

Prosecutors requested remand and a trial date while defence lawyers applied for bail, seeking a short adjournment and custody in EFCC holding facilities.

Justice Nwite ordered Dawaki remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre and Fatange at Kuje Correctional Centre.

Bail applications will be heard on September 15, 2025.

The allegations surfaced against the backdrop of the APC’s resounding win in the Chikun/Kajuru bye-election held on August 16.

Felix Bagudu of the APC was declared winner with 34,580 votes, defeating the PDP candidate, who scored 11,491 votes, as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Reports noted low voter turnout but commended the polls as peaceful and orderly.