Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
According to a memo posted today, the Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned one Salt Adaeze Udoka before the Federal High Court sitting in Asaba, Delta State, over the alleged fraudulent retention of N18 million belonging to an unsuspecting victim. Udoka was brought before Justice F. A. Olubanjo on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, on a one-count charge bordering on the fraudulent taking of possession of the sum of N18 million from Mrs Angela Anyekpe.
According to the charge, Udoka allegedly took possession of the money through fraudulent means, an offence said to contravene Section 18(2)(b) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and punishable under the same legislation. When the charge was read to her in court, she pleaded not guilty. Following her plea, the prosecution counsel asked the court to fix a date for trial, while the defence counsel applied for bail on her behalf. Justice Olubanjo granted the defendant bail on conditions set by the court and adjourned the matter for the commencement of trial.
The commission said the prosecution followed a petition alleging that the defendant fraudulently obtained the money from the complainant under false pretences, though it did not disclose further details about the alleged transaction or the circumstances leading to the complaint. The arraignment is part of the EFCC's ongoing crackdown on financial crimes, as the Benin Zonal Directorate, which oversees operations in Edo and Delta states, has remained active in prosecuting cases ranging from obtaining by false pretense and internet fraud to money laundering, land-related scams, and abuse of the naira.
Under Nigerian law, an arraignment marks the formal commencement of criminal proceedings and does not constitute proof of guilt. The burden remains on the prosecution to establish its case beyond reasonable doubt, while the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court. The case has been adjourned to a later date for trial.
The EFCC has intensified its efforts to combat financial crimes across the country, bringing several individuals, including business executives and public officials, before the courts over alleged offences involving millions and, in some cases, billions of naira. The agency says these prosecutions form part of broader efforts to strengthen public confidence in Nigeria's financial system and deter fraudulent activities.
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