EFCC's N2.5bn Fraud Case Against Abdullahi Saidu Set for Hearing

Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled a hearing for October 16, 2026, concerning a suit filed by businessman Abdullahi Saidu, who is contesting an interim forfeiture order obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC's order aims to freeze Saidu's assets while the case is determined, alleging that these properties were acquired with funds obtained through fraudulent means.

The properties in question include two four-bedroom semi-detached duplexes in Aliyu Villa, a three-bedroom terrace duplex at Tungan Yakubu, and Ngeil Supermarket Plaza in Niger, among others. The EFCC's investigation was initiated following a petition from Alhaji Adamu Ya’u, who claimed that Saidu, in collaboration with Kamal Oladayo Soetan and Adamu Abdullahi Yerima, defrauded him in a diamond transaction, collecting a total of N2.5 billion naira without delivering the promised diamonds.

The case could not proceed as the EFCC's counsel, Mr. J.N Dongonyaro, had not filed a counter-affidavit to Saidu's application.