The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned three men for allegedly impersonating Nigerian blogger and influencer, Tunde Ednut, to defraud unsuspecting members of the public of N18.2 million.
The EFCC Tunde Ednut impersonation fraud case was brought before Justice S. O. Ibrahim of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, October 15, 2026.
THE DEFENDANTS
The defendants are Raymond Charles Yafetus, Auwal Ibrahim and Babangida Yahaya Ibrahim.
They were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on cybercrime, conspiracy to commit fraud, impersonation and obtaining money by false pretence to the tune of N18,264,700.
THE ALLEGATION
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly impersonated Ednut, whose real name is Adekunle Tunde Olaoluwa, between April and June 2026.
Count two of the charge reads: “That you Raymond Charles Yafetus, Auwal Ibrahim and Babangida Yahaya Ibrahim (now at large) between April and June 2026 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with the intent to defraud, did fraudulently impersonate one Adekunle Tunde Olaoluwa, popularly known as Tunde Ednut and in that assumed character opened bank account in different banks in Nigeria and you obtained a total sum of N18,264,700 from unsuspecting members of the public”.
The alleged offence contravened Section 22(2)(b)(ii) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and is punishable under Section 22(b)(iv) of the same Act.
THE PLEA
They pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them.
THE REMAND
Prosecution counsel, Elizabeth Alabi, prayed the court for a trial date and remand of the defendants in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja.
Justice Ibrahim ordered their remand in Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till November 17, 2026.
WHY IT MATTERS
Impersonation of public figures is a growing form of cybercrime in Nigeria. The case highlights the vulnerability of social media users to scams perpetrated using the identities of trusted influencers.
Tunde Ednut is one of Nigeria’s most followed social media personalities, making his identity particularly attractive to fraudsters seeking to exploit his credibility.
ValidViewNetwork reports that the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The trial continues on November 17.
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