EFCC Opens Case Against Ikedinachi Grace Nonyelum for N9 Million Property Fraud in Enugu

The trial of Ikedinachi Grace Nonyelum, accused of engaging in serial property fraud, officially commenced on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State. The hearing was presided over by Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented its first prosecution witness, Inspector Aminu Garba Mohammed, an operative of the agency, who testified in detail about the allegations against Nonyelum.

The Charges and Allegations

Nonyelum is facing a two-count charge of obtaining by false pretence amounting to N9 million (Nine Million Naira). According to the prosecution, the defendant allegedly tricked one Okechukwu Benson Chiewuzie into transferring the sum via his Keystone Bank account with the promise of selling him a bungalow at Ogbeke Nike, Enugu. The court documents state that she knew this pretence was false, which is an offense under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006.

The specific count reads: “That you, Ikedinachi Grace Nonyelum, in February 2022, in Enugu, induced Benson Chiewuzie to pay N9 million under the false pretence of selling him a bungalow, which was untrue, thereby violating the law,” .

Court Proceedings and Evidence

Nonyelum was arraigned on May 29, 2024, and initially pleaded not guilty, leading to her trial phase. During Tuesday’s proceedings, the EFCC’s lawyer, Assistant Superintendent Blessing Ajogwu, called Inspector Aminu Garba Mohammed to testify. He recounted how the agency received a petition from Benson Okechukwu on November 8, 2022, claiming that Nonyelum duped him into paying N9 million for the property, only for her to attempt selling it to another buyer later.

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The investigation revealed that Benson paid N1.3 million into Nonyelum’s account, with other payments made in cash, totaling N9 million. The EFCC also tendered vital evidence, including the defendant’s bank statement, the initial petition, her statement of account, and a certification of identification. These documents were admitted into evidence and marked as exhibits .

The Next Steps and Public Interest

The case has been adjourned until January 21, 2026, for continuation. The EFCC’s effort to clamp down on property-related frauds, especially involving multiple victims, has gained public attention due to the rising cases of property scams across Nigeria. Legal experts have emphasized the importance of robust investigations and swift justice in such cases to deter similar fraudulent activities.

Broader Context of Property Fraud Cases

This case aligns with a spate of recent property fraud prosecutions in Nigeria. The EFCC continues to investigate and prosecute individuals accused of exploiting vulnerable victims through false pretenses, fake property dealings, and money laundering activities. Courts have upheld jurisdiction in similar cases, underscoring the severity and legal backing for curbing property-related crimes