RismadarVoice Reporters
October 29, 2026
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned two defendants, Blessing Onyinaya Chimaobi and Uzofor Benson Chinedu, before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, over an alleged ₦78.3 million theft.
The defendants appeared before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe on an amended 20-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and retention of proceeds of criminal conduct.
They were initially arraigned on February 7, 2024, on three counts of conspiracy and stealing before the prosecution amended the charges to include 17 additional counts.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly conspired with another suspect, Olisa Charles, who remains at large, to defraud Christopher Onuigbo of ₦78,347,100.
The commission further alleged that the defendants dishonestly converted the money, said to belong to Onuigbo, for their personal use between 2018 and 2023.
The charges were brought under relevant provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, and the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the amended charges were read to them.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, Temitope James Banjo, urged the court to revoke their existing bail and order their remand in a correctional facility.
He also requested a date for the continuation of the trial.
Earlier, Banjo informed the court that the matter had been scheduled for cross-examination but that the prosecution had filed amended charges dated October 26, 2026.
He asked the court to accept the amended information and allow the defendants to take fresh pleas.
However, defence counsel, Peter Taiwo, said his clients required sufficient time to study the expanded charges and prepare their defence.
Although Taiwo did not oppose the prosecution’s right to amend the charges, he expressed concern about the increase from three to 20 counts.
He subsequently requested an adjournment to enable him to review the new allegations and advise the defendants appropriately.
The defence lawyer also indicated that he might seek permission to recall the first and second prosecution witnesses for further examination in light of the amendments.
After taking the defendants’ pleas, Justice Abike-Fadipe adjourned proceedings to February 10, 11, 16 and 17, 2027, for continuation of the trial.
The court has not determined the defendants’ guilt, and the allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.
