Alleged N78.3m Fraud: EFCC Increases Charges Against Two Defendants to 20 in Lagos
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has increased the charges against two defendants, Blessing Onyinaya Chimaobi and Uzofor Benson Chinedu, from three to 20 counts over an alleged N78.3 million theft involving a Lagos businessman, Christopher Onuigbo.
The defendants appeared before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on Wednesday, October 29, 2026, where they were re-arraigned on the amended charges.
The EFCC said the 20-count charge borders on conspiracy, stealing and retention of proceeds of criminal conduct amounting to N78,347,100.
The defendants were initially arraigned on February 7, 2024, on a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing before the prosecution filed an amended information on October 26, 2026.
In one of the amended counts, the EFCC alleged that the defendants conspired with one Olisa Charles, who is currently at large, in 2023 to defraud Onuigbo of N78,347,100.
The commission further alleged that the defendants dishonestly converted the money, which belonged to the complainant, for their personal use between 2018 and 2023.
The alleged offences violate relevant provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, and the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.
However, both defendants pleaded not guilty when the amended charges were read to them.
Following their pleas, the prosecution counsel, T. J. Banjo, asked the court to revoke their bail and order their remand in a correctional facility. He also sought an adjournment for the continuation of the proceedings.
In his response, defence counsel, Peter Taiwo, acknowledged the prosecution’s right to amend the charges but argued that the defence needed sufficient time to examine the new information and advise the defendants.
He noted that the prosecution had introduced 17 additional counts, increasing the charges from three to 20.
Taiwo also informed the court that the defence might request the recall of the first and second prosecution witnesses, depending on the implications of the amended charges.
Justice Fadipe subsequently adjourned the case to February 10, 11, 16 and 17, 2027, for the continuation of trial.
