₦42M Contract Fraud Case Hits Court as EFCC Arraigns Three in Maiduguri

The Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought three individuals before the Federal High Court in Maiduguri on charges related to an alleged ₦42 million contract fraud.

The accused Aisha Alkali Wakil, Sa’idu Tahiru Daura, and Prince Lawal Shoyede were arraigned on Thursday before Justice Jude K. Dagat, facing a two-count amended charge of obtaining money under false pretences.

The EFCC alleges that the trio fraudulently collected ₦42 million from ABAKS Ventures Nigeria Limited by falsely presenting a sub-leased contract tied to Complete Care and Aid Foundation, a non-governmental organisation.

They are further alleged to have misrepresented that the contract had been awarded to a certain Sani M. Adamu of Sani Smart Global Ventures.

When the charges were read in court, Wakil and Shoyede entered not guilty pleas, while Daura admitted to the offence.

Following the pleas, the prosecution counsel, N.T. Iko, requested that the court proceed to sentence Daura and sought an adjournment to begin trial proceedings against the remaining two defendants.

Justice Dagat granted the adjournment, setting June 25, 2026 as the next hearing date for both sentencing and the commencement of trial. All three defendants were ordered to be held at the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Facility until the matter is heard further.