The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has expanded its legal case against Blessing Onyinaya Chimaobi and Uzofor Benson Chinedu, re-arraenging the duo before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. The defendants face an amended 20-count charge relating to an alleged N78,347,100 fraud scheme targeting Lagos businessman Christopher Onuigbo.
Initially docked on February 7, 2024, on a modest three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, the case took a new turn when the prosecution introduced 17 additional counts. According to EFCC counsel T. J. Banjo, the updated information—filed on October 26, 2026—broadens the legal scope to cover offenses under Section 409 and Section 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011, alongside asset retention provisions under the EFCC Establishment Act, 2004.
Prosecutors allege that the defendants, alongside one Olisa Charles who remains at large, systematically conspired to defraud the victim and dishonestly converted the multi-million-naira sum between 2018 and 2023.
Entering a plea of not guilty to all counts, the defendants encountered immediate pressure from the prosecution, which urged the court to revoke their existing bail terms and order a remand in a correctional facility. However, defense counsel Peter Taiwo countered by requesting adequate time to review the heavy influx of new charges. While not objecting to the prosecution’s statutory right to amend the information, Taiwo signaled that the defense may seek to recall earlier prosecution witnesses to address the expanded scope.
Justice Abike-Fadipe granted the defense time to prepare and adjourned the matter to February 10, 11, 16, and 17, 2027, for the continuation of trial.
EFCC Arraigns Social Media Influencer, Blessing CEO In Lagos Over Alleged N36M Fraud
This video provides context on recent high-profile financial crime arraignments prosecuted by the EFCC within the Lagos judicial jurisdiction.
Do you want to advertise with us?
Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event?
Contact us on WhatsApp +2348033617468, +234 816 612 1513, +234 703 010 7174
or Email: validviewnetwork@gmail.com
CLICK TO JOIN OUR WHATSAPP GROUP