EFCC Arraigns Two Over Vote Buying

September 11, 2025

EFCC Arraigns Two Over Vote Buying. Credit: Vanguard

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two suspects before an Abuja High Court over alleged ₦26 million money laundering and vote-buying.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed on Wednesday that Esther Dawaki and Shehu Aliyu Fatange appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite. They face a five-count charge of conspiracy, money laundering, and accepting cash payments above the legal threshold.

The EFCC arrested the pair in Kaduna on August 16, 2025, with ₦26,463,000 allegedly set aside for vote buying during the Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency by-election. Investigators said they discovered the cash in a Toyota Corolla registered to Fatange, parked at a hotel. Fatange allegedly introduced himself as the director-general of the campaign office for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.

One of the charges alleges that Dawaki procured Fatange to accept ₦26 million in cash without passing through a financial institution, contrary to the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty. EFCC counsel M. O. Arumemi sought their remand in a correctional facility pending trial, while defence lawyers urged the court to keep them in EFCC custody until their bail hearing.

Justice Nwite ordered Dawaki’s remand at Suleja correctional centre and Fatange’s detention at Kuje correctional centre. The case was adjourned to September 15 for a bail hearing.

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Toyibat Ajose

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