Kaduna trader arraigned over N14m rice fraud

Kaduna trader faces trial over alleged N14m rice fraud after EFCC arraignment, court grants bail and adjourns hearing

A 40-year-old trader, Ahmed Haruna, has been arraigned before the High Court in Kaduna over an alleged N14 million rice deal that reportedly failed, on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

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Ahmed Haruna is facing a single count of fraud filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, which accused him of collecting payment for a bulk rice supply without delivering the goods.

Prosecuting counsel, K.C. James, told the court that the transaction occurred in 2025 when the defendant allegedly received N14 million from a buyer, Aminu Abdulrahman.

The court heard that the rice consignment was never supplied, despite repeated efforts by the buyer to recover the funds.

According to the prosecution, the money was diverted for personal use, an action said to contravene provisions of the Kaduna State Penal Code, which carries a possible five-year prison term if proven.

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read in court.

Presiding judge, Justice Darius Khobo, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like amount.

The court ruled that the sureties must reside within its jurisdiction and provide evidence of at least three years of tax payments to the Kaduna State Government. One of the sureties must also be a close relative of the defendant.

Justice Khobo adjourned the case until May 30 for the commencement of hearing.

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The case has drawn attention to ongoing concerns around commercial fraud and contract enforcement within local trade transactions.

David Okere