‘Fake Contracts’: Danjuma Allegedly Swindled Contractor of N2.2bn

ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has tightened its noose on corruption in the humanitarian sector, arraigning Alhaji Danjuma Mohammed, a former top official of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), over an alleged N2.2 billion contract fraud.

Justice Keziah Ogbonna of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Zuba, ordered the remand of the defendant in the Suleja Correctional Centre on Wednesday, pending the determination of his bail application.

Mohammed, who served as the National Coordinator of the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) at the NEDC, was docked alongside his associate, Chibuike Echem, on a heavy 54-count charge bordering on conspiracy, forgery, and obtaining money by false pretence.

The “Fake Contract” Syndicate

The EFCC prosecution team, led by Adeola Olarenwaju, detailed a systematic scheme allegedly orchestrated by the defendants to defraud unsuspecting contractors.

According to the charge sheet, Mohammed and Echem—along with a third suspect, Aminu Alhaji (who is currently on the run)—conspired to defraud Mr. Kenneth Ejiofor Ifekudu, the Managing Director of Diamond Leeds Limited.

• The Method: The anti-graft agency alleged that between May 2022 and February 2024, the defendants collected a cumulative sum of N2.2 billion from the victim.
• The Lie: They allegedly claimed the money was a prerequisite for awarding him lucrative contracts from the NEDC’s crisis recovery fund.
• The Forgery: To convince the victim, the syndicate reportedly issued fake contract award letters bearing the letterhead of the North East Development Commission.

“Not Guilty”

When the 54-count amended charge was read to them, both Mohammed and Echem pleaded not guilty.

In a swift move, the defence counsel, Chukwuka Obidike, attempted to argue a bail application for his clients. However, the EFCC prosecutor fiercely opposed the move.
“My Lord, we were only served this application yesterday evening,” Olarenwaju argued. “The gravity of this offence—diverting funds meant for the recovery of a war-torn region—demands that we are given ample time to respond.”

Judge Rules: “Straight to Prison”

Justice Ogbonna agreed with the prosecution, ruling that the bail application was not yet ripe for hearing. She ordered that the defendants be remanded in Suleja Prison to ensure their presence for trial.

“The defendants shall remain in custody pending the filing of counter-affidavits and the determination of their bail,” the Judge ruled.
The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

A Sector Under Scrutiny

This arraignment comes amidst a wider probe into the activities of the NEDC, an agency created to rebuild the insurgency-ravaged North East.

Civil society groups have long clamoured for a forensic audit of the Commission, citing reports of “ghost contracts” and the diversion of relief funds. The arraignment of a National Coordinator is seen as the first major strike by the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, into the Commission’s upper echelons.