The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) has arraigned a woman before the Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, over the alleged fraudulent acquisition of N18 million, as the agency intensifies its crackdown on financial crimes across the country.
The EFCC said Salt Adaeze Udoka was brought before Justice F. A. Olubanjo by its Benin Zonal Directorate on a one-count charge bordering on the alleged fraudulent retention of N18 million belonging to Angela Anyekpe.
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According to the charge, Udoka allegedly took possession of the money through fraudulent means, an offence said to contravene Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under the same legislation.
She pleaded not guilty when the charge was read in court.
Following her plea, prosecution counsel asked the court to fix a date for trial, while defence counsel applied for bail on her behalf.
Justice Olubanjo granted the defendant bail on conditions set by the court and adjourned the matter for the commencement of trial.
The commission said the prosecution followed a petition alleging that the defendant fraudulently obtained the money from the complainant under false pretences. It did not disclose further details about the alleged transaction or the circumstances leading to the complaint.
The arraignment comes as the EFCC continues a series of prosecutions involving alleged fraud, money laundering and financial crimes in courts across Nigeria. In recent weeks, the commission has brought several individuals, including business executives and public officials, before the courts over alleged offences involving millions and, in some cases, billions of naira, underscoring its renewed focus on tackling economic and financial crimes.
The Benin Zonal Directorate, which oversees operations in Edo and Delta states, has remained active in prosecuting cases ranging from obtaining by false pretence and internet fraud to money laundering, land-related scams and abuse of the naira. The agency says these prosecutions form part of broader efforts to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria’s financial system and deter fraudulent activities.
Under Nigerian law, an arraignment marks the formal commencement of criminal proceedings and does not constitute proof of guilt. The burden remains on the prosecution to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt, while the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.
The case was adjourned to a later date for trial.
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