EFCC Arraigns Consultant Over Alleged N131.8m, $200,000 Advance Fee Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned an information and communication technology consultant, Umar Abdullahi, before the Federal High Court, Maitama, Abuja, on charges of fraud and money laundering amounting to ₦131.8 million and $200,000.
Abdullahi was brought before Justice Emeka Nwite on Monday to answer a four-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence, advance fee fraud, and money laundering. The offences were allegedly committed between June and August 2024.
One of the charges alleged that Abdullahi, between July and August 2024, received and transacted a cash payment of $200,000 for the allotment of shares in Multi Access Controls Limited—an amount far above the ₦10 million cash transaction threshold—without passing through a financial institution.
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Another count accused him of fraudulently obtaining ₦104.98 million from Aura Integrated Energy Resources Limited under the guise of procuring telecommunication equipment and logistics for staff of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), a claim investigators say was false.
According to the EFCC, the offences contravene Section 2 (1) (a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and Section 1 (1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
Abdullahi pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The case originated from a petition filed by one Alhaji Shehu Badamosi to the EFCC’s Ilorin Zonal Directorate. Badamosi alleged that Abdullahi approached him with claims of securing a contract with the NCC, requesting financial support of ₦131.8 million and $200,000 for execution. However, after receiving the funds, Abdullahi reportedly became unreachable, frustrating efforts to recover the money.
At the hearing, prosecution counsel, Cosmas Ugwu, urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility, citing his previous breach of EFCC’s administrative bail conditions. Defence counsel, Agbonlahor, however, prayed the court to remand him in EFCC custody instead.
Justice Nwite ordered Abdullahi’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja and adjourned the matter to September 8, 2025, for trial commencement.
By PRNigeria
