EFCC charges three with alleged N42 million contract fraud in Maiduguri

The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three individuals before the Federal High Court in Maiduguri on allegations of a N42 million contract fraud.

The defendants—Aisha Alkali Wakil, Sa’idu Tahiru Daura, and Prince Lawal Shoyede—were brought before Justice Jude K. Dagat on Thursday on a two‑count amended charge of obtaining money by false pretence.

According to the EFCC, the trio allegedly secured N42 million from ABAKS Ventures Nigeria Limited by claiming they were to execute a sub‑leased contract linked to the non‑governmental organisation Complete Care and Aid Foundation.

The agency further alleged that the defendants falsely asserted that the contract had been awarded to Sani M. Adamu of Sani Smart Global Ventures.

During the hearing, Wakil and Shoyede pleaded not guilty, while Daura pleaded guilty.

After the pleas, prosecution counsel N.T. Iko requested that the court sentence Daura accordingly and asked for an adjournment to begin the trial against the remaining two defendants.

Justice Dagat set the next hearing for June 25, 2026, for sentencing and the commencement of the trial.

The court also ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.