ARRAIGNMENT OF ALLEGED FAKE EFCC OPERATIVES STALLED AS DEFENDANTS GO MISSING

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The scheduled arraignment of three suspects accused of impersonating officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and defrauding two Lagos residents of over ₦3.5 million was stalled on Tuesday after the defendants failed to appear before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.

The courtroom session briefly shifted from trial proceedings to concern as the prosecution revealed that the defendants Boma Snowhite Dokubo, Roseline Nkiruka Akanbi, and Chinedu Ukpabi Moses were nowhere to be found.

Prosecution counsel Ahmad Usman informed the court that the EFCC had launched a manhunt, alleging that the suspects had “deliberately disappeared to avoid facing justice.”

“My Lord, the defendants have evaded arrest. They are not available for arraignment despite our efforts,” Usman told the court, suggesting the trio may have absconded.

Acknowledging the challenge, Justice Ismail Ijelu halted further proceedings and adjourned the matter to January 19, 2026. He also directed the EFCC to intensify efforts to secure the suspects’ appearance.

The accused persons are facing charges of impersonation, stealing, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence for allegedly posing as EFCC operatives in November 2024 and extorting ₦3.592 million from two victims.

With the defendants still at large, the EFCC is expected to update the court on its efforts when the case resumes next year.