Three individuals have been brought before the Federal High Court in Maiduguri by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over an alleged ₦42 million contract fraud.
The defendants, identified as Aisha Alkali Wakil, Sa’idu Tahiru Daura and Prince Lawal Shoyede, were arraigned before Justice Jude K. Dagat on a two count amended charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence.
The anti graft agency accused the trio of allegedly collecting ₦42 million from ABAKS Ventures Nigeria Limited through a questionable contract arrangement.
Investigators claimed the defendants presented a sub leased contract connected to Complete Care and Aid Foundation, a non governmental organisation, and allegedly convinced the company that the contract had been awarded to one Sani M. Adamu of Sani Smart Global Ventures.
The courtroom proceedings took a dramatic turn after the charges were read before the defendants. Wakil and Shoyede both pleaded not guilty to the allegations levelled against them, while Daura admitted to the offence.
Following the development, prosecution counsel, N.T. Iko, urged the court to proceed with sentencing for Daura and also requested an adjournment to enable the prosecution begin trial against the other two defendants.
Justice Dagat subsequently fixed June 25, 2026, for sentencing and commencement of trial proceedings. The court also directed that all three defendants be remanded at the Maiduguri Maximum Correctional Facility pending further hearing on the matter.
