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EFCC Arraigns Enugu Man Over Alleged N1.3m Car Fraud

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12 months ago

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ENUGU, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arraigned a man in Enugu for allegedly stealing N1.3 million from a woman who trusted him to buy a car on her behalf.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The suspect, Ani Ugochukwu Augustine, was brought before Justice Ngozi Orji of the Enugu State High Court on Sept. 23, 2025. He is accused of fraudulently converting the money of Mrs. Nsoke Veronica for his own use.

According to the EFCC, Augustine allegedly collected N1,300,000 in 2021 after convincing Veronica he could help her purchase a used Toyota Sienna. The commission said he failed to deliver the vehicle and also refused to return the money.

Charge and Court Proceedings

Prosecutors filed a one-count charge of stealing under Sections 342 and 343 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Revised Edition of Enugu State, 2004. The law carries punishment under Section 353 (f) and (i).

When the charge was read in court, Augustine pleaded not guilty.

Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Michael Ikechukwu Ani, who represented the agency, asked the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded in custody.

The defense lawyer, Ngozi Uzoma, tried to make an oral request for Augustine’s bail. But the EFCC counsel opposed the move, saying proper procedure required a formal written application.

Justice Orji ruled that the defense must file a proper bail motion before the court could consider it. She adjourned the case to Oct. 2, 2025, for a hearing on the bail application.

Augustine was ordered to remain in the correctional facility until then.

Background of the Case

The case began when Veronica filed a petition with the EFCC. She claimed Augustine approached her with an offer to help her secure a reliable second-hand Toyota Sienna. Believing him, she gave him the money.

Instead of purchasing the car, prosecutors say Augustine diverted the funds for his personal use.

The EFCC, Nigeria’s main anti-graft agency, investigated the complaint and later arrested Augustine. Officials said the evidence gathered supported the decision to file charges in court.

Legal Context

Stealing by conversion of funds is a serious crime under Nigerian law. Legal experts say that under the cited sections of the Enugu Criminal Code, conviction could result in significant jail time.

Cases involving financial fraud are common in Nigeria, where the EFCC often prosecutes individuals accused of defrauding unsuspecting citizens with promises of business deals, job offers, or vehicle sales.

In recent years, the agency has stepped up its efforts to recover stolen funds and secure convictions in cases involving both high-profile and local defendants.

What’s Next

The court will next sit on Oct. 2 to consider Augustine’s bail application. If bail is granted, he could be released while awaiting trial. If not, he will remain in custody until the trial begins.

The EFCC said it will continue to pursue the case to ensure justice for the complainant.

For Veronica, the petitioner, the court’s decision will determine whether she has a chance to recover her money. For Augustine, the arraignment marks the beginning of a legal battle that could decide his freedom.

Wider Impact

Fraud cases like this highlight the risks faced by Nigerians who engage in informal business transactions without legal protections. Experts warn that individuals should be cautious when handing over large sums of money without proper documentation or verified guarantees.

The EFCC has repeatedly urged citizens to report suspected fraud early and to rely on trusted, formal channels when making significant purchases, such as vehicles or property.

As the case moves forward, it underscores both the EFCC’s role in fighting financial crimes and the ongoing challenges of fraud that affect everyday Nigerians.

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Crime

CRIME TSUNAMI: Kidnappers Pocket A Staggering ₦7.7 Billion Across The Country In Mind-Blowing Report!.

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1 week ago

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August 28, 2026

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A report by SBM Intelligence titled Economics of Nigeria’s Kidnap Industry 2026 reveals that kidnappers across Nigeria amassed a staggering ₦7.779 billion in ransoms between July 2025 and June 2026, which accounts for 34 percent of the total ₦22.856 billion demanded during that timeframe. Although total demands decreased from the previous cycle’s ₦48 billion (which was inflated by a massive ₦30 billion demand in Delta State), the proportion of actual ransom collected surged dramatically compared to the prior period’s 5.35 percent. This year’s record payments were heavily propelled by large-scale mass abductions capable of holding hundreds of victims under intense pressure.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Terrorist and insurgent factions dominated the collections, with the JAS faction and its affiliates raking in roughly ₦7 billion—accounting for about 90 percent of nationwide ransom payouts. This total was driven primarily by two massive incidents:

  • A ₦5 billion ransom reportedly paid following the April 2026 abduction of 416 people in Ngoshe, Borno State, led by commander Ali Ngulde, marking the largest single ransom payment in SBM’s database.

  • An estimated ₦2 billion payout following the November 2025 kidnapping of 315 pupils and staff members from St Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State.

Beyond these major terrorist-linked factions, unaffiliated kidnappers and bandits collected ₦719.4 million (about nine percent of total payments), while the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) secured ₦53 million.

Geographically, Kwara State registered the highest ransom demands at ₦7.375 billion (32.3 percent of the national total, largely driven by a ₦3.52 billion demand linked to Boko Haram activity around Woro and Wawa), followed by Borno at ₦5.698 billion and Kaduna at ₦1.459 billion. However, when looking at actual payouts, Borno led the country with ₦5.0545 billion collected, trailed by Niger (₦2 billion), Kwara (₦278.3 million), Kaduna (₦64 million), and Sokoto (₦58 million), with these five states alone accounting for 95.8 percent of nationwide ransom collections. Conversely, states like Kebbi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Sokoto, and Imo saw much lower demands, and minimal payouts—such as ₦70,000 in Cross River or ₦100,000 in Bauchi—often represented token settlements or arrangements finalized with supplies and food rather than large cash sums.

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Crime

BETRAYAL OF TRUST: Man Given Free Shelter Allegedly Sells Benefactor’s House And Scams Cleric Of ₦13.6 Million.

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1 week ago

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August 27, 2026

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Yusuf Oyepeju before the Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan. Oyepeju appeared alongside two corporate entities—Alwajeez International Nigeria Limited and AIN Homes and Property Limited—to face a six-count charge encompassing forgery, document uttering, theft by conversion, and obtaining money under false pretenses.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to a statement released in Ibadan on Wednesday by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the case stems from a relationship that began on an Islamic WhatsApp educational platform where both Oyepeju and the victim, Fasasi Bayonle, served as tutors. Bayonle, an Islamic cleric based in Dubai, eventually fell victim to a severe betrayal of trust.

From Benefactor to Alleged Victim

Investigations revealed that the saga began in 2018 when Oyepeju approached Bayonle seeking financial assistance for accommodation after getting married. Rather than a cash handout, Bayonle permitted Oyepeju to temporarily move into his vacant property located at the Ikumapayi area of Olodo, Ibadan, before relocating to the UAE.

Authorities stated that Oyepeju, posing as a property developer, subsequently convinced Bayonle to fund land purchases and housing construction projects in Ibadan, transferring a total of ₦8,697,900 between February and August 2020. However, the arrangement turned sour when Oyepeju allegedly forged a “Transfer of Agreement,” sold the very house he was given to live in for free to companies linked to him, and converted the proceeds. Investigators also discovered that he never purchased or developed the promised land.

Court Proceedings and Remand

Appearing before Justice Olusola Adetujoye, Oyepeju pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following his plea, prosecuting counsel Sanusi Galadanchi requested a trial date and asked that the defendant be remanded. Meanwhile, defense counsel B. Ajibola informed the court that a bail application had already been filed and served.

Justice Adetujoye adjourned the proceedings for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Oyepeju be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre, Ibadan, pending the next court date.

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Crime

THE ULTIMATE RESCUE: How Gallant Troops Smashed A Bandit Hideout And Freed 14 Captives In A Rain Of Bullets!.

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1 week ago

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August 26, 2026

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  • Successful Rescue: Nigerian Army troops from Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully rescued 14 kidnapped victims from bandits in Zamfara State’s Tsafe Local Government Area.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Swift Intervention: Acting on intelligence regarding suspicious movements near Magazu village, the troops intercepted armed criminals who were attempting to abduct motorists and other civilians.

    • Gunfight and Fugitive Bandits: After engaging the suspects in a firefight, the troops forced them to abandon their vehicle and flee into the surrounding bushes.

    • Casualties and Treatment: While no military personnel were harmed, one rescued victim sustained gunshot wounds and was promptly admitted to the General Hospital in Tsafe for treatment.

    • Ongoing Operations: The military emphasized that this successful mission is part of broader, continuous efforts by Operation FANSAN YAMMA to dismantle criminal networks and secure local communities.

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