EFCC Arraigns Borno Man Over Alleged ₦4.2 Million Fraud and Misappropriation
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Maiduguri Zonal Directorate, has arraigned one Muhammad Umar before Justice Aisha Ibrahim of the Borno State High Court, Maiduguri, on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and criminal misappropriation to the tune of ₦4.2 million.
According to a statement by the EFCC on its official X handle, the defendant was arraigned on Tuesday, October 28, 2025. The anti-graft agency alleged that Umar, sometime in March 2025, fraudulently obtained the sum of ₦4,200,000 from one Abubakar Kaumi under the false pretext of purchasing a property in Bolori Ward, Maiduguri.
One of the charges reads:
“That you, Muhammad Umar, with the Bank Verification Number (BVN) 22530268934, sometime in March 2025 in Maiduguri, Borno State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of ₦4,200,000 (Four Million Two Hundred Thousand Naira) from one Abubakar Kaumi, falsely representing that the said money was to be used for the purchase of a property located at Bolori Ward, Maiduguri, which representation you knew to be false.”
The EFCC said the offence contravenes Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act.
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Upon arraignment, Umar pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecution counsel, S.O. Saka, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending the commencement of trial.
Justice Ibrahim granted the prosecution’s request and ordered that Umar be remanded in a Correctional Centre. The case was subsequently adjourned to November 3, 2025, for trial.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to combating financial crimes and ensuring that justice is served regardless of the amount involved. The agency emphasized that fraudulent acts, whether large or small, undermine public trust and economic stability.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the EFCC recently recovered and handed over three properties, two luxury vehicles, and ₦1.1 million belonging to a self-proclaimed spiritualist, Fatai Olalere All, who was convicted of fraud.
Similarly, the Commission also arraigned a vessel, MT Ostria, alongside three individuals in Lagos for allegedly stealing over 25 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) valued at several billions of naira, reportedly belonging to NNPC Retail Limited.
The EFCC continues to face mixed public reactions. While some Nigerians commend the Commission for pursuing justice in all cases of financial misconduct, others have criticized the agency for what they perceive as selective prosecution. Online commentators questioned why smaller fraud cases are prosecuted swiftly, while some politically exposed persons facing multi-billion naira allegations remain at large.
Nevertheless, legal analysts argue that the EFCC’s work at every level is vital to maintaining the rule of law and deterring financial crimes. They insist that enforcing accountability—even in cases involving modest sums—sends a clear message that fraud, in any form, will not be tolerated.
Justice Ibrahim’s ruling marks the beginning of what could be a closely watched case, as both the prosecution and defense prepare to present their evidence in the coming weeks.