EFCC arraigns ICT consultant for alleged money laundering
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin –
The Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday, August 18, 2025, arraigned Umar Abdullahi, a 48-year-old Information and Communication Technology (ICT) consultant, for alleged offences bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and money laundering to the tune of N131.8 million and $200,000.
Abdullahi was docked on a four-count charge before vacation judge, Justice Emeka Nwite of Court 8, Federal High Court, Abuja. The charges included money laundering and obtaining by false pretence.
His prosecution followed a petition by Alhaji Shehu Badamosi to the EFCC Ilorin Zonal Office, alleging breach of trust and fraud. The petitioner claimed Abdullahi solicited N131.8 million and $200,000 under the guise of executing a contract with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), but failed to deliver or refund the money.
One of the charges accused Abdullahi of accepting and transacting $200,000 in cash for the allotment of shares in Multi Access Controls Limited, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Another charge alleged that he fraudulently obtained N104.9 million from Aura Integrated Energy Resources Limited for the purported procurement of telecommunication equipment and logistics for NCC staff.
The EFCC said the defendant knew the claims were false and that his actions contravened the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
When the charges were read to him, Abdullahi pleaded not guilty. Following his plea, EFCC counsel, Cosmas Ugwu, urged the court to remand him in a correctional facility, noting that he had earlier jumped administrative bail granted by the Commission.
Defence counsel, A.O. Agbonlahor, however, prayed the court to remand his client in EFCC custody pending trial.
In his ruling, Justice Nwite ordered Abdullahi’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Service and adjourned the case to September 8, 2025, for commencement of trial.
