Couple Charged with N1bn Contract Fraud in Ekiti

Taiwo Omotola and Kenechukwu Anazia were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Ado Ekiti on charges of obtaining money under false pretenses and retention of proceeds of crime, as per the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The couple is accused of defrauding a total of N1,098,961,500, which was allegedly transferred to Kenechukwu's bank account under the pretense of executing a road project awarded by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

The EFCC's investigation revealed that a total of N1.98 billion was allegedly paid into the account, with funds purportedly used to acquire land and assets in Ado Ekiti, including a hospital facility and a four-bedroom bungalow. Following their not guilty plea, the EFCC's counsel, Sesan Ola, requested a trial date, and the court subsequently adjourned the matter until June 11, 2026, while remanding the couple in EFCC custody pending a bail application.