₦2.2 Billion Contract Fraud:EFCC Arraigns Former NEDC Coordinator Alhaji Danjuma Mohammed
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially arraigned the former National Coordinator of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) over a massive ₦2.2 billion fraud. The defendant faced a multi-count charge on Wednesday before a Federal High Court. These charges involve allegations of money laundering and the diversion of public funds intended for regional reconstruction. This legal move highlights the government’s ongoing crackdown on corruption within critical intervention agencies.
Prosecutors claim the former official orchestrated an elaborate scheme to siphon development funds through fictitious contracts. They allege that the ₦2.2 billion was diverted between 2023 and 2025 using various proxy companies. Consequently, these actions stalled several vital projects meant to rehabilitate victims of insurgency in the North East. The EFCC presented a series of financial documents and witness statements to support their opening arguments.
During the court session, the accused pleaded not guilty to all counts brought against him. His legal team quickly applied for bail, arguing that the defendant would not flee the country. However, the EFCC counsel opposed the application, citing the severity of the financial crimes involved. The presiding judge eventually ordered the defendant to be remanded in custody until a formal bail hearing.
Public reaction to the arraignment has been swift, with many demanding maximum transparency during the trial. The NEDC was established to rebuild a region devastated by years of conflict and economic hardship. Therefore, any misappropriation of these funds is viewed as a significant blow to national security and humanitarian efforts. The court has adjourned the matter to late February for the commencement of the full trial.
The EFCC remains resolute in its mission to track and recover all diverted assets belonging to the commission. They have also hinted that more high-ranking officials may be invited for questioning in the coming weeks. This case serves as a stern warning to public officers regarding the management of regional intervention budgets. The nation now watches closely as this high-stakes legal battle unfolds in the capital.