By Paul Joseph
The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned three individuals before the Federal High Court in Maiduguri over an alleged 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 bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the EFCC, the trio allegedly obtained N42 million from ABAKS Ventures Nigeria Limited in 2018 under the guise of executing a purported sub-leased contract linked to Complete Care and Aid Foundation, a non-governmental organisation where they served in different capacities.
The anti-graft agency alleged that the defendants falsely claimed the funds were meant for the completion of a contract reportedly awarded to Sani M. Adamu of Sani Smart Global Ventures, an assertion investigators said was untrue.
During proceedings, Wakil and Shoyede pleaded not guilty to the charges, while Daura entered a guilty plea.
Following the arraignment, prosecution counsel N.T. Iko urged the court to sentence Daura accordingly and requested an adjournment for the commencement of trial for the remaining defendants.
Justice Dagat subsequently adjourned the matter until June 25, 2026 for Daura’s sentencing and the continuation of trial proceedings involving Wakil and Shoyede.
The court also ordered that the defendants be remanded at the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.
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