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 N1.1 billion fraud. The couple faces a six-count charge, including obtaining money by false pretense and retention of proceeds of crime.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly received approximately N1,098,961,500 from a woman named Anazia Colina Kenechukwu after convincing her to fund a road construction contract purportedly awarded by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC). The charge stated that they falsely represented that the funds would be used to execute the contract, a claim they knew to be false.
Properties Traced to the Couple
Investigators traced the alleged proceeds to properties acquired in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. These include a lounge known as Town Tavern Lounge and a four-bedroom bungalow in Irewolede Estate. The EFCC has placed the properties under interim attachment as part of recovery efforts.
The woman who petitioned the EFCC reported that she was told the funds would be used for a government-backed project but later discovered the claim was false.
Court Proceedings
Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. The EFCC counsel requested that the court proceed with the trial and keep the defendants in custody. Justice Abubakar Usman adjourned the matter to June 11, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that the defendants remain in EFCC custody.
Related Case: Blessing CEO
In a similar development, social media influencer Blessing CEO was arraigned by the EFCC before a Federal High Court in Lagos for allegedly obtaining N36 million under false pretenses. She was accused of collecting the money from a woman in 2024 for a Lekki property lease. Although her lawyer claimed N24 million had been refunded, the court ordered her remand in EFCC custody. She pleaded not guilty.
