Dr. Halimat Adenike Tejuosho has alleged that she was defrauded by a man identified as Malam Ibrahim Gidado, whom she accused of falsely presenting himself as a top security operative with direct access to the Presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA).
In a detailed personal statement submitted to authorities, Tejuosho claimed she became entangled in a sprawling alleged appointment-for-sale scheme involving hundreds of millions of naira and large sums in foreign currency, all purportedly tied to securing federal appointments.
According to her account, the events began in November 2023 after she was introduced to a Muslim cleric, Malam Hassan Ibrahim Nasir, by a former Nasarawa State Commissioner for Lands, Abu Miliki. The cleric allegedly introduced her to Gidado, also known as “Sarkin Yanma.”
Tejuosho claimed Gidado represented himself as:
- A serving official attached to the NSA’s office;
- A former operative of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA);
- A DSS director transferred to the NSA; and
- A man handling classified assignments for the Presidential Villa.
She said after expressing interest in obtaining a federal appointment under the newly inaugurated administration, Gidado allegedly demanded ₦10 million as “mobilisation and facilitation expenses,” security clearance costs, and consultation fees.
Tejuosho stated that the money was paid in cash near the ECOWAS building in Abuja because Gidado allegedly refused electronic transfers, citing the sensitive nature of his work.
She further alleged that on December 15, 2023, she handed over another ₦50 million equivalent in United States dollars after Gidado claimed arrangements had been concluded for her to meet President Bola Tinubu.
However, she said the promised meeting never took place, as Gidado later informed her that the President had embarked on an urgent trip.
According to Tejuosho, Gidado subsequently shifted focus from arranging a presidential meeting to negotiating possible appointments, including Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and ministerial positions.
She alleged that Gidado later demanded a total of USD1 million for a humanitarian ministerial appointment, insisting that USD800,000 be paid upfront while the remaining USD200,000 would be settled after official announcement.
Tejuosho said she eventually paid USD500,000 in tranches between January and February 2024.
She also alleged that Gidado encouraged her to publicise her humanitarian activities online to strengthen the chances of the appointment.
The businesswoman further claimed Gidado later requested that she source other interested persons for strategic federal appointments, including:
- Managing Director of NNPC Limited;
- Ministerial slots; and
- Senior Special Assistant to the President on Ecological Matters.
Among those allegedly introduced into the arrangement was Sani Dantanko, who reportedly sought the position of Managing Director of Niger Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).
According to Tejuosho, Gidado demanded ₦100 million for the role, while Dantanko allegedly paid ₦80 million in two tranches through her account.
She said another individual, Yakumut Alhassan, allegedly paid ₦50 million toward a ministerial appointment, while Osita Opara allegedly paid ₦10 million for the position of SSA on Ecological Matters.
Tejuosho also narrated a failed negotiation involving an unnamed businessman identified only as Mr. Cyprain, who allegedly expressed willingness to pay USD1 billion for the NNPC Limited top job but proposed a bank guarantee instead of upfront cash — an arrangement she said Gidado rejected.
According to her statement, the transactions later expanded in August 2024 when a woman identified as Mrs. Sholoye allegedly expressed interest in becoming Group Managing Director of NNPC Limited.
Tejuosho said Gidado demanded USD1 million from Sholoye for the appointment, after which the woman allegedly paid ₦200 million as first tranche and another ₦385 million in September 2024.
Part of the ₦385 million, according to Tejuosho, was allegedly earmarked for mobilising Niger Delta youths to protest against then-NNPC boss Mele Kyari in a bid to pressure the government into removing him from office.
She alleged the funds were used for transportation, accommodation, feeding, media publications, social media campaigns, and newsletters.
Tejuosho said she personally handed an additional ₦150 million to Gidado in September and another ₦50 million in October 2024 as part of ongoing negotiations for her own anticipated appointment.
However, she said the arrangement eventually collapsed after new appointments were officially announced and none of the individuals involved secured any office.
According to her, demands for refunds soon followed, while Gidado allegedly stopped responding to calls and messages before going completely incommunicado.
The matter later escalated to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after Mrs. Sholoye petitioned the anti-graft agency, accusing Tejuosho of fraud and obtaining money under false pretences.
Tejuosho said she honoured the EFCC invitation on December 31, 2024, alongside her lawyers, and gave a statement under caution explaining that she merely acted as an intermediary and not the ultimate beneficiary of the funds.
She also filed a counter-petition against Gidado, whom she described as the principal recipient of the monies.
According to her, the EFCC consolidated the case under a special unit known as Special Duty Committee 1, with ACE Babangida reportedly leading investigations.
Tejuosho said she was later granted administrative bail in February 2025 but soon suffered worsening health conditions, including a brain tumour, diabetes, hypertension, and other complications.
She claimed her lawyers requested permission from the EFCC for urgent foreign medical treatment, but the request was declined, forcing her to seek treatment within Lagos.
The businesswoman maintained that between February and November 2025, she remained largely incapacitated and never deliberately evaded the EFCC.
She added that her lawyers consistently informed investigators of her medical condition and inability to appear physically.
Tejuosho further disclosed that another petitioner, Sani Dantanko, later approached the EFCC and police while also filing a civil suit currently pending in court.
She said she was informed in November 2025 that Gidado had eventually been arrested by the EFCC, though she claimed she remained too ill to personally participate in subsequent proceedings.
The EFCC has yet to publicly comment on the allegations.