RismadarVoice Reporters
October 20, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned four individuals before the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri over an alleged ₦44.7 million contract fraud involving a purported project awarded by a non-governmental organisation.
The defendants, identified as Ruth Emmanuel, Ibrahim Dogo Hyelni, Esther Loretta Gabari and Gbenga Makinde Obanewo, were brought before Justice Muhammad Maina on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
According to the anti-graft agency, the defendants are facing an eight-count charge involving conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, criminal misappropriation, forgery and the alleged use of falsified documents.
The EFCC alleged that the suspects conspired in December 2025 to fraudulently obtain ₦44.7 million from a businessman identified as Ali Abatcha.
Prosecutors claimed that the money was collected under the pretence of executing a contract purportedly awarded by the Global Health and Social Awareness (GHASA) Foundation to Ruhemd Global Enterprises.
The commission alleged that the defendants falsely represented the contract as genuine to persuade the complainant to release the funds.
One of the charges accused the four defendants of agreeing to obtain money through fraudulent representations, contrary to the provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Another count alleged that the defendants received the ₦44.7 million through a bank account linked to one of the accused, knowing that the representations concerning the contract were false.
Following the arraignment, prosecution counsel S. O. Saka requested a trial date and an order remanding the defendants to a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
However, B. Balama, representing the first and second defendants, applied for bail on behalf of Ruth Emmanuel, citing health concerns.
After considering the application, Justice Maina granted Emmanuel bail for ₦50 million with two sureties who must reside in Maiduguri.
The court further directed that one of the sureties provide a title document for property valued at ₦50 million, to be deposited with the court registrar.
The judge subsequently ordered the defendants to be remanded in a correctional facility, subject to Emmanuel fulfilling her bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned until November 4, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The EFCC maintained that the alleged transaction involved a contract arrangement that investigators considered fraudulent.
The case highlights continuing concerns about fraudulent contract offers and the misuse of purported organisational projects to obtain money from unsuspecting individuals.
The allegations remain before the court, and none of the defendants has been convicted in connection with the charges.
