crime

EFCC Arraigns Otobor Onajefe Over N37.4m Fraud

Published

9 months ago

February 9, 2026

Q Tinny

Otobor Onajefe fraud arraignment as EFCC charges defendant over alleged N37.4m theft; Ikeja court orders remand pending bail hearing

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned Otobor Onajefe before the Ikeja Special Offences Court over an alleged N37.4 million fraud.

Also read: Lawmakers Praise EFCC, NFIU for Strengthening Nigeria’s Financial Credibility

Otobor Onajefe was arraigned on a two count charge of conspiracy and stealing, contrary to Sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

According to one of the counts, Otobor Onajefe and one Philip Onobrakpe, who is still at large, allegedly conspired in 2023 in Lagos to defraud Mr Omotayo Oyebanji and Mr Ernest Adeii of the sum.

The second count stated that Otobor Onajefe, with others still at large, allegedly converted the money to personal use.

Otobor Onajefe pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Temitope Banjo, asked the court for a trial date and urged that Otobor Onajefe be remanded in a correctional facility.

Mr Temitope Banjo opposed the bail application, noting that although the charge had been filed earlier, the bail application was only served on the prosecution on the morning of the arraignment.

Mr Temitope Banjo informed the court that the prosecution intended to file a reply on points of law and added that Otobor Onajefe had previously been difficult to locate for arraignment.

In response, defence counsel, Mr Samuel Danni, told the court that a bail application dated 6 February had been filed and served on the prosecution the same morning.

Mr Samuel Danni sought permission to move the application and requested a short adjournment at the convenience of the court.

Also read: EFCC Uncovers N212bn Assets Linked to Malami

Justice Mojisola Dada adjourned the matter until 26 February for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Otobor Onajefe be remanded in a correctional centre pending further proceedings.

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crime

Police Arrest 41-Year-Old Over Murder of Bayelsa Sand Dealer

Published

15 hours ago

November 10, 2026

Mariam Balogun

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a 41-year-old man, Somkiemi Tommy, over the alleged murder of a sand business operator, Thankgod Kalaba, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Police Ani Iniedu, disclosed the arrest in a statement on Monday.

According to the police, Kalaba was allegedly murdered after visiting a river on October 29, 2026. His body was reportedly tied to a boat and submerged in the water.

Iniedu said the police began investigating the incident after receiving a report about the victim’s disappearance and suspected murder.

Preliminary findings reportedly indicated that the victim had been trailed and killed by Tommy.

The police spokesperson added that the suspect allegedly tied Kalaba’s body to a boat before submerging it in the river in an attempt to conceal the crime.

He said the suspect was arrested by police operatives working in collaboration with youths in Yenaka.

“Acting on the report, police operatives, in collaboration with Yenaka youths, successfully arrested the suspect,” Iniedu stated.

Tommy is currently in police custody, while the Criminal Investigation Department has commenced further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing.

The police said the investigation would establish the events leading to Kalaba’s death and determine whether other individuals were involved.

The suspect is expected to face prosecution if the allegations are established by investigators.

The police have yet to disclose the motive behind the alleged murder.