The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a Maiduguri-based businessman, Bilal Muhammad, before the Borno State High Court over an alleged N500,000 fraud involving a failed tricycle purchase transaction.
Muhammad, who is said to be the Chief Executive Officer of GDF Home Sales Enterprises Limited, appeared before Justice Amina Mustapha Ibrahim on Thursday on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly collected N500,000 from one Adamu Abubakar in April 2025 under the pretext of purchasing a commercial tricycle, popularly known as a Keke Napep.
The anti-graft agency told the court that the representation was false and was made with the intention of deceiving the complainant.
Prosecutors alleged that Muhammad received the money while claiming it would be used to facilitate the purchase of the tricycle, but failed to fulfil the agreement, leading to allegations of fraud.
The charges were brought under the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
When the charges were read in court, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Following the plea, EFCC prosecuting counsel, A.D. Abdulmalik, requested that the court fix a date for trial and order the defendant’s remand pending the hearing of the case.
After listening to the prosecution, Justice Ibrahim adjourned the matter until June 22, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The court also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
