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

A Nigerian couple, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo and his wife Awolegan Omolola Omotola, are facing charges of defrauding a widow of N1.09 billion in a contract scam. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought the couple before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti on six counts of obtaining money by false pretense and retaining proceeds of crime.

According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly conspired to defraud a widow, Anazia Kenechukwu, after a purported road construction contract deal soured. The EFCC stated that the first defendant approached the complainant to finance a contract supposedly awarded by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission. A sum of N1,980,000,000.00 was reportedly paid into the first defendant's account for this purpose.

Investigators allege that the funds were subsequently diverted and used to purchase properties in Ado-Ekiti, including a lounge and a four-bedroom bungalow. The EFCC has obtained an interim court order for the seizure of these properties, which are believed to be proceeds of the alleged crime. The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to all charges. The court has adjourned the case for further hearing.