The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a couple, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, before the Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged N1.09 billion fraud.
The defendants were docked by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency before Justice Abubakar Usman on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime.
According to details contained in the charge sheet and disclosed via the Commission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, the couple allegedly conspired to defraud a widow, Anazia Kenechukwu, under the guise of a lucrative road construction contract.
The EFCC told the court that the first defendant reportedly approached the complainant to finance a purported road contract allegedly awarded by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission.
The complainant was said to have paid a total sum of N1.98 billion into the defendant’s account domiciled with Access Bank Plc, based on the agreement.
However, investigations revealed that the funds were allegedly diverted and used for personal acquisitions, including a lounge and a four-bedroom bungalow located in Ado-Ekiti.
The anti-graft agency further disclosed that it had secured an interim court order for the forfeiture of the properties, which it believes are proceeds of the alleged fraud.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Usman subsequently adjourned the case for trial while ruling on bail applications filed by the defence.
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