EFCC Arraigns Native Doctor, Wife Over N1.09b Contract Fraud

The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a self-styled native doctor, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo, and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, before a Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged N1,098,961,500 contract fraud.

The duo appeared on Monday before Justice Abubakar Usman on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime, contrary to Section 17(a) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.

The anti-graft agency said the case followed a petition by a widow, Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, who operates a private school in Delta State and alleged she was defrauded under the guise of a government contract.

According to the EFCC, Taiwo allegedly presented himself as a contractor handling a road project awarded by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) and persuaded the petitioner to finance the purported job.

Investigations by the Commission revealed that about N1.98 billion was allegedly channelled into the defendant’s bank account during the course of the transaction.

The EFCC further alleged that proceeds of the fraud were laundered through the acquisition of two properties in Ado-Ekiti — a business outfit known as Town Tavern Lounge along Ikere Road near Florence Court School, and a four-bedroom bungalow located within Florence Court, Irewolede Estate.

The Commission told the court that an interim forfeiture order on the properties had already been secured on May 25, 2026, as part of efforts to preserve assets linked to the alleged crime.

The defendants pleaded to the charges as the court adjourned the matter for further hearing.

The EFCC said the case forms part of its ongoing efforts to tackle high-value financial crimes and recover proceeds of unlawful activities across the country.