EFCC Arraigns Duo Over Alleged Non-Declaration of Assets and Q-Net Impersonation Scheme.

Kaduna, Nigeria – The Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today announced the arraignment of Benjamin Bawa and Miracle Awaje before Justice A. Bello of the Federal High Court in Kaduna. The charges stem from their alleged failure to declare their assets, a requirement under the EFCC Establishment Act 2004, and their prior arrest in connection with a suspected impersonation and fraud scheme involving Q-Net, a multi-level marketing company.

Bawa and Awaje were arrested on April 25, 2025, in Minna, Niger State, following allegations that they impersonated Q-Net officials and defrauded unsuspecting investors by luring them into purchasing fake products and diverting the proceeds for their personal gain.

Upon their arrest, the defendants were served with Asset Declaration Forms at the EFCC’s office but reportedly failed to comply with the legal requirement to declare their assets.

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The charge against Benjamin Bawa alleges that on or about May 26, 2025, in Kaduna, he knowingly made a false declaration by failing to disclose his interest in Access Bank Plc account No: 1470591560, held in his name. This alleged act is contrary to and punishable under Section 27(3)(a) of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (Establishment) Act, 2004.

Similarly, Miracle Awaje faces a charge stating that on or about May 26, 2025, in Kaduna, she knowingly made a false declaration by failing to declare her interest in Opay Digital Services Limited account No: 8106997498, also in her name. This is likewise deemed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 27(3)(a) of the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.

Both defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were read in court. The prosecution counsel, M.O Arumemi, urged the court to set a trial date and sought for the defendants to be remanded in the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Kaduna.

However, the defence counsel reminded the court of a pending bail application for the accused. Justice Bello subsequently granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000.00 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira) each, with one surety each. The sureties must be residents of Kaduna and are required to provide six months’ bank account statements, a National Identity Card, and records of their three-month utility bills.

Justice Bello further ordered that the defendants be remanded in the Kaduna Correctional Centre until they fulfill their bail conditions. The case has been adjourned until October 8, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

The EFCC continues its efforts to combat economic and financial crimes and urges the public to exercise caution and conduct thorough due diligence when engaging with investment opportunities.