The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a self-proclaimed native doctor, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo, and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, over an alleged N1.09 billion contract fraud.
The couple appeared before Justice Abubakar Usman of the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretences and retention of proceeds of crime.
According to the EFCC, the case stemmed from a petition filed by Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, a widow and proprietor of a private school in Delta State, who accused Taiwo of inducing her to finance a purported road construction contract allegedly awarded by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).
Investigators alleged that Taiwo convinced the complainant to invest substantial funds in the project, claiming the contract would generate significant returns.
The anti-graft agency further disclosed that a total of N1.98 billion was allegedly paid into an Access Bank account linked to the first defendant during the period under investigation.
The EFCC alleged that part of the proceeds was subsequently used to acquire high-value properties in Ado-Ekiti.
Among the assets linked to the defendants are Town Tavern Lounge, located along Ikere Road in Ado-Ekiti, and a four-bedroom bungalow situated within the Florence Court area of Irewolede Estate.
The commission had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order on the two properties pending the outcome of its investigation.
One of the charges alleges that the defendants fraudulently obtained N1,098,961,500 from the complainant between January 2024 and November 2025 by falsely claiming the funds would be used to execute the road construction contract.
The EFCC maintains that the representation was false and made with the intent to defraud.
When the charges were read in court, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
Following their pleas, EFCC counsel, Sesan Ola, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants pending further proceedings.
Justice Usman subsequently adjourned the matter to June 11, 2026, for the hearing of bail applications and the commencement of trial.
The court also ordered that the defendants remain in EFCC custody pending the determination of their bail requests.
