EFCC arraign 3 for alleged N247.5m, $160,300 fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned two men and a woman before an Ikeja Special Offences Court over alleged N247.5 million and 160,300 Dollar fraud.

Those arraigned are Uchenna Ejindu (trading under the name and style of Autonel Automotive Enterprises), Salami Stephen, and Titilayo Eboh.

They were arraigned on an amended four-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, stealing and money laundering.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

EFCC alleged that the defendants, sometimes in July 2024, conspired to defraud one Mr Jude Atoh of N247.5 million and 160,300 dollars.

The commission alleged that the defendants collected the sums in cash under the pretence that they would provide the dollar equivalent, a representation they allegedly knew to be false with the intention of concealing the illegal origin of the funds.

According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged offences contravene Sections B (A) and 1 (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud And Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

The offences also violate Sections 330 (1) and 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The EFCC Counsel, Mr Temitope Banjo, informed the court that the matter was already fixed for trial and prayed the court to maintain the date.

Banjo further urged the court to remand the third defendant, Eboh in a Correctional Centre, citing difficulties previously encountered by the commission in arresting her.

The prosecutor also opposed her bail application.

Counsel to the first defendant, Mr Victor Okpara (SAN), told the court that his client had been on bail since May 15, 2025 and had diligently attended all court proceedings.

Okpara prayed the court to allow him continue to enjoy the existing bail.

Counsel to the second defendant, Mr  Dehinde Dipeolu, aligned with Okpara’s submission.

Counsel to the third defendant, Mr Mike Umonnan, however, informed the court that he had filed a bail application and considering the health challenges of his client, prayed for an earlier date to move the application.

Justice Rahman Oshodi adjourned the matter to Feb. 12, for the hearing of the third defendant’s bail application and ordered that she be remanded in a correctional centre.

Oshodi further adjourned the case until Feb. 27, for commencement of trial.