The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned a businessman, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo, and his wife, Awolegan Omolola, before the Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged N1.09bn contract scam.
They were arraigned by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the anti-graft agency on six counts of obtaining money by false pretence and retention of crime proceeds.
EFCC, after their arraignment on Monday, alleged that the defendants conspired to defraud a widow, Anazia Kenechukwu, who reported the matter to the commission after a purported road contract deal went sour, and the funds were allegedly diverted to acquire properties, including a lounge and a four-bedroom bungalow.
The agency brought the defendants before Justice Abubakar Usman at the Federal High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, where it was further alleged that a total sum of N1.9 billion was paid into the first defendant’s account domiciled with Access Bank Plc following the supposed arrangement.
Addressing the court, the prosecutor told the court that the funds were allegedly diverted and used to acquire properties in Ado-Ekiti, including a lounge and a four-bedroom bungalow.
The EFCC also said it had secured an interim order for the seizure of the properties believed to be proceeds of the alleged crime.