N1.09bn fraud case: EFCC arraigns a self-styled native doctor and his wife over alleged contract scam and money laundering
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a self-styled native doctor, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo, and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, over an alleged contract scam involving N1,098,961,500.
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The couple appeared before Abubakar Usman of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime.
According to the EFCC, the charges were filed under Section 17(a) of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.
The anti-graft agency said the case originated from a petition submitted by Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, a widow and proprietor of a private school in Delta State.
Investigators alleged that Taiwo approached Kenechukwu with claims that he had secured a road construction contract from the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, commonly known as DESOPADEC.
The complainant reportedly alleged that she was persuaded to finance the purported contract and subsequently transferred funds into an account linked to Taiwo.
According to the EFCC, investigations revealed that a total of N1.98 billion was paid into the defendant’s account domiciled with Access Bank Plc.
The commission further alleged that proceeds from the scheme were invested in real estate acquisitions in Ado-Ekiti.
Among the properties identified by investigators are Town Tavern Lounge, situated along Ikere Road in Ado-Ekiti, and a four-bedroom bungalow located within Florence Court, Irewolede Estate.
The EFCC said it had earlier secured an interim attachment order on the two properties from the court on 25 May 2026 as part of efforts to preserve assets linked to the alleged offence.
Prosecutors contend that the acquisitions were funded with proceeds derived from the alleged fraudulent activities.
The defendants are expected to face trial as the court examines the allegations contained in the N1.09bn fraud case.
Under Nigerian law, all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
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The EFCC said it remains committed to investigating financial crimes and recovering assets suspected to have been acquired through unlawful means.
Victory Emmanuel is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
