The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Fidelix Samuel Ebuka before a Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N90.9 million money laundering case. Ebuka was brought before Justice Yellim Bogoro on a single count charge related to the retention of proceeds from unlawful activities amounting to N90,989,517.
Details of the Charge
According to the EFCC, the offence contravenes the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The charge alleges that on or about April 15, 2026, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of the court, the defendant retained the sum in his Union Bank account number 0069938215. He reasonably ought to have known that these funds formed part of proceeds from unlawful activity.
The charge specifies that the alleged offence violates Section 18(2)(d) and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Defendant's Plea and Court Proceedings
When the charge was read to him, Ebuka pleaded not guilty. In response, prosecution counsel H.U. Kofarnaisa urged the court to set a trial date and remand the defendant in a correctional facility pending trial.
Defense counsel Bimbo Ogunlaja requested an adjournment to allow time to file a bail application. Justice Bogoro granted the adjournment, scheduling the next hearing for June 29, 2026, to address the bail application and commence trial. The court ordered the defendant to remain in a correctional facility until the bail application is determined.
This case highlights the EFCC's ongoing efforts to combat money laundering and financial crimes in Nigeria.
