Ekiti Native Doctor, Wife Arraigned Over Alleged ₦1.09bn Contract Scam

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a self-acclaimed native doctor, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged contract scam involving more than ₦1.09 billion.

The couple appeared before Justice Abubakar Usman on a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime.

According to the EFCC, the case originated from a petition filed by a Delta State-based widow and proprietor of a private school, Mrs. Anazia Colina Kenechukwu, who accused Taiwo of inducing her to finance a purported road construction contract allegedly awarded to him by the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

The anti-graft agency alleged that the victim paid substantial sums into Taiwo’s bank account after being convinced that the funds would be used to execute the contract.

Investigators further claimed that proceeds from the alleged fraud were invested in the acquisition of properties in Ado-Ekiti, including Town Tavern Lounge and a four-bedroom bungalow located within the Florence Court area of the state capital.

The EFCC had earlier secured an interim forfeiture order on the properties pending the conclusion of investigations and prosecution.

One of the charges alleges that the defendants fraudulently obtained ₦1,098,961,500 from the complainant under the false representation that the funds were meant for a road construction project.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their plea, prosecution counsel, Sesan Ola, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants pending the determination of the case.

Justice Usman adjourned proceedings until June 11, 2026, for the hearing of bail applications and commencement of trial, while ordering that the defendants be remanded in EFCC custody.