Court Remands Former NEDC Coordinator Over Alleged ₦2.28 Billion Fraud
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Zuba has ordered the remand of Alhaji Danjuma Mohammed, the former National Coordinator of the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) under the North East Development Commission (NEDC). Mohammed, alongside an associate, Prince Chibuike Echem, was remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre on Tuesday following their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a 54-count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining by false pretence, and forgery to the tune of ₦2.28 billion.
Allegations of Contract Forgery and Deception
The EFCC, in the charge marked CR/708/25, alleges that between May 2022 and February 2024, the defendants conspired to defraud Kenneth Ejiofor Ifekudu, the Managing Director of Diamond Leeds Limited. The prosecution claims the suspects falsely represented themselves as having the authority to facilitate the award and execution of lucrative contracts under the NEDC’s Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery and Stability Programme.
According to the anti graft agency, the syndicate reportedly issued forged contract award letters to the victim. However, they allegedly prevented the company from mobilising to project sites in the North East, citing "insecurity" as a strategic delay tactic while they extracted various sums. Investigations further revealed that a bank account was opened using the acronym "NEDC" to process fraudulent payments and create a veneer of institutional legitimacy.
Court Proceedings and Bail Opposition
Upon the reading of the 54 counts, both Mohammed and Echem pleaded "not guilty." A third suspect, Aminu Alhaji, remains at large. Following the plea, the EFCC lead counsel, Adeola Olarenwaju, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendants in a correctional facility.
Defence counsel Chukwuka Obidike attempted to move a motion for bail, but the application was met with stiff opposition from the prosecution. Olarenwaju argued that the EFCC had only been served with the bail motion the previous evening and required sufficient time to file a counter affidavit.
Presiding Justice Keziah Ogbonnaya agreed with the prosecution’s stance, noting that an immediate hearing of the bail application would infringe upon the prosecution's right to a fair hearing. “Taking into consideration all sundries and in the interest of justice, I will allow the prosecution to reply,” Justice Ogbonnaya ruled.
Institutional Implications and Next Steps
The case underscores a significant breach of trust within the NEDC, an agency tasked with the critical rebuilding of Nigeria’s conflict affected North East region. Reports indicate that the uncovering of these fraudulent activities led to Mohammed’s removal from his position as National Coordinator.
The court has adjourned the matter to 25 March 2026 for the commencement of trial. The defendants will remain in custody at the Suleja Correctional Centre until the hearing and determination of their bail applications. This case is being closely monitored by stakeholders as a litmus test for accountability within Nigeria’s regional development commissions.
