EFCC Arraigns BFI Group, Six Others Over Alleged €100m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Thursday, January 29, 2026, arraigned BFI Group Corporation and six individuals before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Jabi, Abuja, over an alleged €100 million fraud.
Those docked alongside the company are Reuben M. Jaja, Uzor Chidi Jerry, David Femi James, Imeobong Jumbo Udom, Adeola Edward and Emeka Emmanuel Okorie. They appeared before Justice M.S. Idris on a five-count amended charge bordering on fraud, conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence.
At the proceedings, prosecuting counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court of an amended charge dated January 27, 2026, and applied for it to be read to the defendants for their plea.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly conspired between August 12, 2020 and March 2021 to induce the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to confer a benefit on BFI Group Corporation by false pretence, contrary to provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
One of the counts further alleged that BFI Group Corporation and Reuben M. Jaja attempted to obtain a Certificate of Capital Importation for €100 million by falsely claiming that the funds were paid into a non-existent CBN account.
All the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and time to respond to the bail applications filed by the defence. Counsel to the first and second defendants, Chinedu Eze, urged the court to grant bail through an oral application, citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and judicial authorities.
However, Iheanacho objected, arguing that the cited authorities were inapplicable and that bail applications already filed in writing could not be converted to oral applications. He urged the court to discountenance the request in the interest of fair hearing.
Justice Idris adjourned the matter to February 3, 2026, for ruling and adoption of bail applications. He ordered the fourth defendant to be remanded in an EFCC facility, while the remaining defendants were remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
