Jul 22, 2026

EFCC Arraigns Suspect for N5m Impersonation Scam Posing as Tunde Ednut

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria- July 22, 2026 - In a stark reminder of the persistent threat of online impersonation scams in Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Auwal Ibrahim before Justice M.A. Madugu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Bwari, Abuja, for allegedly orchestrating a N5.3 million fraud by impersonating popular social media influencer Adekunle Tunde Olaoluwa, better known as Tunde Ednut.

The arraignment, which took place on Monday, July 20, 2026, highlights the EFCC’s ongoing crackdown on cyber-enabled financial crimes that prey on unsuspecting members of the public.

Ibrahim, alongside a co-conspirator, Malam Yahaya Babangida (still at large), faces a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy, impersonation, and obtaining money under false pretences.

According to the charges, between April 21 and April 28, 2026, in Abuja, the defendants allegedly conspired to cheat by impersonation.

They purportedly opened a bank account in Access Bank PLC (Account No. 1975788197) under the name of Tunde Ednut and used it to solicit and receive a total of N5,307,000 from members of the public.

Count one accuses them of conspiracy contrary to Section 96 of the Penal Code, while count two details the impersonation and obtaining of funds under false pretences, punishable under relevant sections of the Penal Code Act.

Ibrahim pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. Prosecution counsel Elizabeth Alabi requested a trial date and the defendant’s remand in a correctional facility.

Defence counsel M.M. Bali sought time to file a bail application. Justice Madugu ordered Ibrahim’s remand in Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter to July 27, 2026, for hearing on the bail application.

This case fits into a broader pattern of EFCC actions against impersonation and romance/investment scams that exploit trust in public figures.

Tunde Ednut, a well-known blogger and influencer with a massive following, has himself been linked to various controversies and public disputes, but there is no indication he is connected to this fraud beyond his identity being allegedly misused.

The EFCC continues to record successes in high-profile and routine cases alike, from arraignments of influential figures to everyday fraudsters.

Recent efforts underscore the agency’s commitment to digital vigilance amid rising online threats.

Impersonation scams, often leveraging social media and fake bank accounts, remain a significant drain on public trust and finances.

As Nigeria grapples with economic challenges, such scams exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly among citizens seeking opportunities or responding to appeals from trusted names.

The EFCC’s proactive stance — including collaborations with financial institutions and public awareness campaigns — is crucial.

This case serves as a cautionary tale: verify sources, especially financial requests tied to celebrities or officials, and report suspicions promptly.

The outcome of Ibrahim’s trial will be closely watched as it proceeds. For now, it reinforces that no one — not even popular influencers — is immune from having their identity weaponized in the shadows of cybercrime.