Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Jikwoyi, Abuja, has convicted two men, Haruna Mamuda and Sadiq Umar, for parading themselves as officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to defraud unsuspecting members of the public. Justice M. Zubairu delivered the conviction on Thursday, July 16, 2026, after both defendants pleaded guilty to a five-count charge bordering on impersonation, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful representation. The court, however, adjourned sentencing until July 22, 2026, to allow for further arguments, and ordered that the convicts remain in EFCC custody pending the determination of their sentence.
The case against the two men began in March 2026, when they allegedly conspired with a third suspect, Salifu Olije Mustapha, who is currently standing trial before another High Court in Kubwa, Abuja, to falsely present themselves as officers of the EFCC. According to the charge sheet, the defendants personated public servants with the intent to defraud members of the public, an offence contrary to Section 96 of the Penal Code Act and punishable under Section 132 of the same Act. In count four, Sadiq Umar, also known as Abubakar Hashimu Umar, was specifically charged with falsely personating an EFCC officer and, in that assumed character, defrauding unsuspecting members of the public, an offence also punishable under Section 132 of the Penal Code Act.
When the charges were read to them in court, both defendants pleaded guilty without hesitation. Prosecution counsel, R.U. Adagba, immediately urged the court to convict them accordingly based on their admissions. In response, counsel for the first convict, Anamegbumam Innocent, appealed for leniency, arguing that his client had shown remorse for his actions, had cooperated with investigators, and was married with children. Similarly, counsel for the second defendant, Bemdo Asan, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy, noting that his client had no previous criminal record.
However, the prosecution countered these pleas with a strong submission, revealing that the first defendant was a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army. Adagba urged the court to consider the severity of the offence and impose a sentence that would serve as a deterrent to society. She further disclosed that both defendants were brought in from the Department of State Services, where they were facing separate charges for terrorism financing and kidnapping. "My lord, the first defendant is a dismissed member of the Nigerian Army, his sentence will serve as a deterrent to the society at large. I also want the court to factor in the judgment that they were brought in from the Department of State Security Services, DSS where they are being charged for terrorism financing and kidnapping," she told the court.
After listening to both sides, Justice Zubairu convicted the defendants and adjourned the matter to July 22, 2026, for sentencing. The judge ordered that they remain in custody with the EFCC pending the final determination of their sentence. The conviction of Mamuda and Umar marks a significant victory for the EFCC in its ongoing efforts to combat the rising trend of individuals impersonating its officers to commit fraud. The anti-graft agency has repeatedly warned the public that its officers do not solicit bribes or demand money from suspects or members of the public, and that anyone who does so is an impostor who should be reported immediately.
The case highlights the growing menace of impersonation of law enforcement officials in Nigeria, where criminals have increasingly adopted the identities of security and anti-corruption agencies to extort money from unsuspecting citizens. The EFCC has in recent months intensified its crackdown on such activities, securing several convictions across the country. The commission has also urged members of the public to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an EFCC officer and to report any suspicious encounters to the nearest EFCC office or police station.
The conviction of Mamuda and Umar also underscores the seriousness with which the judiciary is treating offences related to impersonation and fraud. The fact that the prosecution drew attention to the defendants' involvement in other serious crimes, including terrorism financing and kidnapping, suggests that the case may have broader implications for national security. The EFCC has maintained that it will continue to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure that all individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice, regardless of the nature of their offences.
As the sentencing date approaches, the public will be watching to see what penalty the court imposes on the two convicts. The prosecution's call for a deterrent sentence reflects the growing frustration among law enforcement agencies over the increasing incidence of fraud and impersonation. The EFCC has reassured the public that it remains committed to protecting the integrity of its operations and ensuring that those who tarnish its reputation are held accountable.
The conviction of Haruna Mamuda and Sadiq Umar serves as a stark warning to anyone considering impersonating EFCC officers or any other law enforcement officials. The court's decision to convict them based on their guilty pleas demonstrates that the justice system is prepared to deal swiftly with such offences. As Nigeria continues to battle corruption and financial crimes, the EFCC has reiterated its determination to pursue all cases of impersonation and fraud with the utmost seriousness, ensuring that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
The EFCC has also called on members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any individuals or groups posing as its officers. The commission has assured that all reports will be treated with confidentiality and that necessary action will be taken to protect the public from such fraudulent activities. With the sentencing of Mamuda and Umar scheduled for July 22, the case is expected to further reinforce the message that impersonation of law enforcement officials is a serious crime that will not be tolerated.
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