From Premium Times Nigeria · Fareedah Bakare · · 2m
EFCC arraigns four for N44m contract fraud in Maiduguri
EFCC charges four with N44.7m contract fraud in Borno State.
In brief
EFCC charges four with N44.7m contract fraud in Borno State. EFCC arraigned four people for N44.7m contract fraud in Maiduguri, Borno State. Originally reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
EFCC arraigns four for N44m contract fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned four people on Tuesday for an alleged N44.7 million contract scam in Maiduguri, Borno State.
Defendants include two women and two men
The defendants consist of two females and two men: Ruth Emmanuel, Esther Gabari, Ibrahim Hyelni, and Gbenga Obanewo.
Eight counts charged
EFCC charged the four defendants with eight counts, including conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, forgery, and use of false documents.
Fraudulent contract with Ali Abatcha
The defendants conspired in December 2025 to fraudulently take N44.7 million from Ali Abatcha for a purported contract execution.
False contract claims
The commission stated the defendants took money through Ibrahim Hyelni’s Guaranty Trust Bank under false pretence of a contract with Global Health and Social Awareness (GHASA) Foundation.
Legal basis for charges
The defendants knowingly misrepresented the purpose of funds, committing an offence under Sections 1(1) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Defendants pleaded not guilty
The defendants pleaded not guilty to all eight counts of the charges.
Prosecution requests trial date
Prosecution lawyer S.O. Saka asked the court to fix a trial date and detain the defendants in a correctional centre.
Defence requests bail
Defence lawyer B. Balama urged the court to grant bail to Ms. Emmanuel on health grounds.
Bail granted for Ms. Emmanuel
![National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. [PHOTO CREDIT: Official X handle of Mr Ribadu | https://x.com/NuhuRibadu/status/1706387205881581715?s=20]](https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2024/02/Nuhu-Ribadu-NSA.jpg?w=1883&ssl=1)
The judge granted Ms. Emmanuel bail at N50 million with two sureties who must be resident in Maiduguri.
Bail conditions
One surety must submit a title document worth N50 million to the court’s registrar.
Case adjourned to 4 November
The judge adjourned the case until 4 November for the start of trial and ordered defendants held in correctional centre until then.
The takeaway
EFCC arraigned four people for N44.7m contract fraud in Maiduguri, Borno State.
