The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned four people before the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri over an alleged N44.7 million contract fraud.
The defendants, Ruth Emmanuel, Ibrahim Dogo Hyelni, Esther Loretta Gabari and Gbenga Makinde Obanewo, were arraigned on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, before Justice Muhammad Maina on an eight count charge involving alleged conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, forgery and use of false documents.
According to the post made on the EFCC official X account, the alleged offences occurred in December 2025 in Maiduguri, Borno State. The commission accused the defendants of allegedly obtaining N44.7 million from Ali Abatcha through the bank account of Ibrahim Dogo Hyelni.
The EFCC alleged that the money was obtained under the false representation that it was required to execute a contract purportedly awarded by the Global Health and Social Awareness, GHASA, Foundation to Ruhemd Global Enterprises.
The prosecution counsel, S.O. Saka, asked the court to remand the defendants in a correctional centre and requested a date for trial.
However, counsel representing the first and second defendants, B. Balama, asked the court to grant Ruth Emmanuel bail on health grounds.
Justice Muhammad Maina subsequently granted Emmanuel bail in the sum of N50 million, with two sureties who must reside in Maiduguri. The court further ordered that one of the sureties must deposit a title document valued at N50 million with the court registrar.
The judge ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional centre and adjourned the case until November 4, 2026, for commencement of trial.
The EFCC said the defendants were arrested following allegations that they conspired to collect the N44.7 million from their alleged victim in connection with the purported contract.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and the defendants remain entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
Leave a comment