By Wilfred Francis
The Benin Zonal Directorate of the (EFCC) has arraigned two men, Kelvin Usiholo and Osaigbovo Aikoriogie, before the sitting in Benin City, Edo State, over an alleged N143 million fraud.
The defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and money laundering. The EFCC alleged that the offences involved the sum of N143 million.
According to court documents, Usiholo, who allegedly acted as a lawful attorney for one Eghosa Aikorogie, had through a firm of legal practitioners petitioned the Commission, accusing Osaigbovo Aikorogie of defrauding Eghosa of large sums of money in a purported business transaction.
However, investigations by the anti-graft agency reportedly uncovered that the funds in question were proceeds of fraudulent activities. The Commission further alleged that both the nominal complainant and the defendant were members of a syndicate that specialises in defrauding unsuspecting victims, including foreign nationals.
In a statement issued by the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the Commission said that upon conclusion of investigations, the suspects were charged to court on counts of money laundering and obtaining by false pretence.
The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them in open court.
Following their plea, prosecution counsel, Immaculate Elodi, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants pending the determination of their bail applications.
Justice Quadri adjourned the matter until February 27, 2026, for the hearing of the bail applications.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts to combat financial crimes and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
