The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a self-proclaimed native doctor, Olorunbukunmi Taiwo, and his wife, Awolegan Omolola Omotola, before the Federal High Court in Ado-Ekiti over an alleged N1.09 billion contract fraud.

The couple face a six-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and retention of proceeds of crime. The EFCC told the court that between January 2024 and November 2025, they allegedly obtained about N1.09 billion from a widow, claiming the funds were needed to finance a road construction project said to have been awarded by the Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC).

According to the prosecution, the defendants misrepresented the existence of the contract and diverted the funds through a bank account. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following their plea, the EFCC requested a trial date and remand. The court adjourned the case to June 11, 2026, for hearing of the bail application and commencement of trial, and ordered that the defendants be remanded in EFCC custody.