EFCC Arraigns Self-Styled Herbalist, Wife for Alleged ₦1.09bn Fraud in Ado-Ekiti
By Peace Erewunmi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a self-styled herbalist and his wife before a Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged ₦1.09 billion fraud.
The defendants were brought before Justice Abubakar Usman on multiple counts bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime.
According to the EFCC, the suspects allegedly defrauded a private school proprietor, a widow, by falsely claiming they had been awarded a road construction contract by a government agency and needed funding to execute it.
Investigations by the anti-graft agency reportedly revealed that the funds were diverted and used to acquire properties in Ado-Ekiti, including residential and commercial buildings.
The EFCC further alleged that the accused knew the claims made to the complainant were false and were designed to induce her to release large sums of money.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court, prompting the prosecution to request their remand pending trial.
The court has adjourned the matter for hearing of bail applications and commencement of trial.
As of the time of filing this report, the defendants remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until the court delivers its judgment.
