AfriPulse
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a self-acclaimed native doctor, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo, and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged N1.1 billion contract fraud.
The couple was docked by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency before Justice Abubakar Usman on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime, contrary to the provisions of the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly deceived a widow and private school proprietor based in Delta State, Mrs. Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, into financing a purported road construction contract which Taiwo claimed had been awarded to him by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
The petitioner alleged that she paid a total of N1.98 billion into Taiwo’s Access Bank account to support the execution of the purported contract.
Investigations by the Commission reportedly revealed that a substantial part of the funds was diverted and used to acquire luxury properties in Ado-Ekiti. The assets include the Town Tavern Lounge located along Ikere Road, off Florence Court School, and a four-bedroom bungalow situated within Florence Court, Irewolede Estate.
The EFCC further disclosed that it had secured an interim forfeiture order on the two properties on May 25, 2026, pending the conclusion of the trial.
The defendants are expected to continue facing prosecution as the Commission seeks to establish the alleged fraud and recover assets believed to be proceeds of crime.
The case was adjourned for further proceedings.
Source: FirstWeeklyMagazine | Read the Full Story…
