EFCC Arraigns Four Suspects Over Alleged N44.7m Contract Fraud in Borno
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned four defendants before the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri over an alleged N44.7 million contract fraud.
The defendants, identified as 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 bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, criminal misappropriation, forgery and the use of false documents.
According to a statement by the EFCC, the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate brought the charges against the defendants over their alleged involvement in a scheme to obtain N44.7 million from one Ali Abatcha under the guise of executing a contract purportedly awarded by the Global Health and Social Awareness (GHASA) Foundation to Ruhemd Global Enterprises.
One of the charges alleged that the defendants conspired in December 2025 in Maiduguri, Borno State, to obtain money under false pretence, contrary to the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Another count alleged that the defendants obtained the N44.7 million from Abatcha through the bank account of the second defendant, Ibrahim Dogo Hyelni, domiciled with Guaranty Trust Bank.
The prosecution told the court that the defendants allegedly represented that the money was meant for the execution of the purported contract, knowing that the representation was false.
During proceedings, prosecution counsel, S.O. Saka, asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendants in a correctional centre.
However, counsel to the first and second defendants, B. Balama, applied for bail for the first defendant, Emmanuel, citing health concerns.
Justice Maina subsequently granted Emmanuel bail in the sum of N50 million, with two sureties residing in Maiduguri. The court further directed that one of the sureties must deposit a title document valued at N50 million with the court’s registrar.
The judge ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional centre and adjourned the case until November 4, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The EFCC said the defendants were arrested following allegations that they conspired to collect N44.7 million from the complainant over the purported contract.
The case is expected to proceed on the adjourned date as the court begins hearing evidence on the allegations.
