Jun 9, 2026

EFCC Arraigns Couple Over Alleged N1.09bn Contract Fraud in Ado-Ekiti

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Ado-Ekiti — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a couple before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged N1.09 billion fraud linked to a failed road construction contract scheme.

The defendants, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, were brought before Justice Abubakar Usman by the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Directorate on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences and retention of alleged proceeds of crime.

According to court documents, the case stemmed from a petition filed by a widow, Anazia Kenechukwu, who accused the defendants of deceiving her into financing what was presented as a lucrative road construction contract.

The EFCC alleged that Taiwo convinced the complainant that he had secured a road construction contract purportedly awarded by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC), and subsequently sought financial backing for its execution.

Investigators said the arrangement led to substantial financial transactions, with a total of N1.98 billion allegedly paid into the first defendant’s Access Bank account in connection with the purported contract.

However, the anti-graft agency claimed that rather than being used for the stated project, the funds were allegedly diverted for personal purposes, including the acquisition of high-value properties in Ado-Ekiti.

Among the assets identified by investigators are a lounge and a four-bedroom bungalow, both of which the commission believes were purchased with proceeds of the alleged fraud.

The EFCC disclosed that it has already obtained an interim court order authorising the seizure of the properties pending the determination of the case.

The arraignment marks the latest in a series of high-profile fraud prosecutions by the commission as authorities continue efforts to clamp down on investment and contract-related scams that have left many victims with significant financial losses.

The defendants are expected to face trial as the court examines the evidence presented by the prosecution and hears their defence.

Under Nigerian law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.