RismadarVoice Reporters, April 7, 2026
The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a 29-year-old businessman, Chizoba Emmanuel Dilo, before the Anambra State High Court sitting in Onitsha over an alleged N64 million fraud.
Dilo was docked before Justice S. N. Odili on a two-count charge bordering on stealing, contrary to Section 342 of the Criminal Code Law of Anambra State and punishable under Section 353(9) of the same law.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly fraudulently converted funds belonging to one Chinedu Obaino, a trader in Onitsha Main Market, to his personal use in 2021.
The charge sheet revealed that Dilo allegedly stole N34.013 million in one instance and N29.987 million in another, bringing the total sum to N64 million.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him in court.
Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Rotimi Ajobiewe, prayed the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility.
Defence counsel, J. C. Odo, informed the court of a pending bail application and urged the court to grant it. The prosecution opposed the application, arguing that the defendant had previously jumped administrative bail granted by the EFCC.
Ruling on the application, Justice Odili granted the defendant bail in the sum of N10 million, with two sureties resident in Onitsha who must provide affidavits of means. The court also ordered verification of the sureties’ addresses.
The defendant was subsequently remanded in a correctional facility pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions, while the case was adjourned to May 26, 2026, for trial.
The EFCC disclosed that the case originated from a petition filed on July 21, 2025, by Obaino, who alleged that he entrusted the defendant with the funds to purchase textile materials from China.
Instead of executing the transaction, the commission alleged that Dilo diverted the funds, reportedly acquiring luxury assets, including cars and a hotel, while evading contact by relocating and changing his phone number.
The anti-graft agency said investigations led to his eventual arrest and prosecution.
