The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned four defendants before the Borno State High Court in Maiduguri over an alleged N44.7 million contract fraud.
The defendants are Ruth Emmanuel, Ibrahim Dogo Hyelni, Esther Loretta Gabari and Gbenga Makinde Obaninkio.
They were arraigned on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, on an eight-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money under false pretence, criminal misappropriation, forgery and use of false documents.
The EFCC alleged that the defendants conspired in December 2025 to obtain N44.7 million from Ali Abatcha under the pretence of executing a contract purportedly awarded by the Global Health and Social Awareness (GHASA) Foundation to Ruhemd Global Enterprises.
According to the commission, the money was paid through the bank account of the second defendant, Ibrahim Dogo Hyelni, domiciled with Guaranty Trust Bank.
The prosecution counsel, S.O. Saka, urged the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendants in a correctional centre.
However, counsel to the first and second defendants, B. Balama, sought bail for Emmanuel on health grounds.
Justice Muhammad Maina admitted Emmanuel to bail in the sum of N50 million, with two sureties resident in Maiduguri. One of the sureties was also required to deposit a title document valued at N50 million with the court registrar.
The judge subsequently remanded the defendants in a correctional centre and adjourned the case until November 4, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
