Court remands four over $5.29m fraud in Lagos
July 30, 2026 6:09 pm
File photo: Court gavel
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned four persons before the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, over alleged money laundering involving $5.29m.
In a post obtained from EFCC’s X handle on Thursday, the defendants, Bamidele Ayodele Emmanuel, Abdullah Oriyomi, Garuba Fathiat Funmilayo and Gbenro Victor Ademola, were arraigned separately before Justice F. N. Ogazi on two-count charges bordering on money laundering, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
They all pleaded guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
One of the charges against Emmanuel alleged that he retained $826,691 in his Wema Bank account between January 1 and 31, 2025, despite allegedly knowing that the funds were proceeds of an unlawful act.
The charge read in part: “That you, Bamidele Ayodele Emmanuel, between 1 and 31st January, 2025, in Lagos and within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, directly retained the sum of $826,691 in your account, No. 0126008755 domiciled in Wema Bank, which you reasonably ought to have known forms part of the proceeds of an unlawful act, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Following the guilty pleas, EFCC counsel, Bilkisu Buhari, reviewed the facts of the cases before the court.
Buhari told the court that investigations revealed that the defendants admitted providing their personal information to one Afeez Animashaun, who allegedly approached them at Mushin Market, Lagos, where they carried out their businesses.
She said the investigation established that the defendants’ identities were used to incorporate companies including College Compass Eduguide Nigeria Limited, Hortifresh Solutions Nigeria Limited, Eduboost Innovation Nigeria Limited and Fixit Hardware and Tools Nigeria Limited.
According to the prosecution, corporate bank accounts were opened for the companies and used to receive millions of dollars within January 2025.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants’ actions provided anonymity for the actual operators of the companies and enabled the movement of suspicious funds through the Nigerian financial system.
Buhari thereafter urged the court to convict the defendants and impose appropriate sentences.
Justice Ogazi ordered that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility and adjourned the matter until Tuesday, August 4, 2026, for judgment.
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.
Contact: [email protected]