Jun 22, 2026

EFCC Arraigns Duo Over $180,000 MTN Equipment Fund Diversion in Abuja

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria—In a fresh demonstration of its commitment to tackling financial misconduct at all levels, Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two individuals in Abuja for allegedly breaching trust and diverting substantial funds meant for critical telecommunications infrastructure.

Shamsudeen Lawal and Abubakar Abdulkadir appeared before Justice A.Y. Shafa of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Nyanya on Monday, June 22, 2026. The EFCC’s Abuja Zonal Directorate charged them with a two-count indictment involving criminal breach of trust and obtaining money by false pretenses, related to a $180,000 payment from Data Group intended for equipment to service MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd.

According to the charges, the duo—along with a third suspect still at large—were entrusted with the funds in 2024 specifically for purchasing equipment. Instead, prosecutors allege they redirected the money to Ahmed Sarki Mohammed in Uganda for an entirely different purpose, violating the terms of the trust.

Count One accuses them of conspiring to commit criminal breach of trust, contrary to Section 96 of the Penal Code Law of the Federation (Abuja) 1990 and punishable under Section 97.

Count Two directly addresses the diversion, citing Section 311 and punishable under Section 312 of the same code.

These sections of Nigeria’s Penal Code underscore the seriousness of betraying entrusted financial responsibilities, especially in dealings involving major corporate entities like MTN, a key player in Nigeria’s digital economy.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read. Prosecution counsel Mariya U. Shariff requested a trial date, while defence counsel J.U. Bolori sought bail. The prosecution did not oppose the application.

Justice Shafa granted bail in the sum of ₦1,000,000 each, with two sureties—one of whom must be a businessman of verifiable means who will swear to an affidavit on the bail bond. The case was adjourned to September 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

Courtroom images released by the EFCC show the two men: Shamsudeen Lawal in a blue traditional outfit and Abubakar Abdulkadir in an orange ensemble with a patterned cap, reflecting the routine yet significant nature of such proceedings in Nigeria’s anti-graft courts.

This case fits into the EFCC’s active calendar of high-profile and mid-level prosecutions. On the same day, the agency re-arraigned former Skye Bank Chairman Tunde Ayeni over an alleged ₦15.6 billion fraud and continued proceedings in other notable matters, including an N740 million investment scam involving a couple. Earlier actions included arrests for visa fraud in Enugu totaling over ₦68 million.

These efforts highlight the EFCC’s mandate to safeguard public and private funds amid Nigeria’s persistent challenges with economic crimes. The diversion of telecom-related funds strikes at the heart of national infrastructure development, where reliable mobile networks support millions of businesses and citizens daily.

For ordinary Nigerians, cases like this resonate deeply. When funds meant for essential services are allegedly siphoned, it fuels frustration over eroded trust in business dealings and institutions. The involvement of a third fugitive suspect suggests the investigation may widen, potentially uncovering larger networks.

Yet the swift arraignment and conditional bail also reflect the judicial system’s balance: presumption of innocence until proven guilty, while ensuring defendants face accountability. As trial approaches in late September, the court will weigh evidence of intent, documentation of fund flows, and any mitigating circumstances.

Veteran observers note that such prosecutions, though incremental, contribute to a culture of deterrence. With convictions in thousands annually and billions recovered over time, the EFCC continues to signal that no amount—whether millions or hundreds of thousands—is too small to pursue when public or corporate trust is betrayed.

The defendants maintain their innocence, and the coming months will test the strength of the prosecution’s case in what appears to be a straightforward but symbolically important matter of fiduciary responsibility.

This report draws directly from the official EFCC statement and aligns with the agency’s transparent communication on ongoing cases. Developments will be monitored as the September trial date nears.