EFCC Arraigns Man in Enugu for Alleged ₦1.3 Million Car Purchase Fraud
The Enugu Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ani Ugochukwu Augustine before Justice Ngozi Orji of the Enugu State High Court, Independence Layout, over an alleged car purchase scam involving ₦1.3 million.
Ani was docked on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, on a one-count charge of stealing. The EFCC alleged that in 2021, he fraudulently converted the sum of ₦1,300,000 belonging to Mrs. Nsoke Veronica after claiming he could help her secure a good second-hand Toyota Sienna vehicle. Despite receiving payment, he allegedly failed to deliver the car or refund the money.
The offence, according to the EFCC, contravenes Sections 342 and 343 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30, Revised Edition (Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria) 2004, and is punishable under Section 353 (f) and (i) of the same law. Ani pleaded not guilty when the charge was read in court.
Prosecution counsel, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, Michael Ikechukwu Ani, requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in custody. Defence counsel, Ngozi Uzoma, attempted an oral bail application, but the prosecution opposed it, insisting that a formal application be filed.
Justice Orji ordered the defence to properly file for bail and adjourned the matter to October 2, 2025, for hearing. The defendant was remanded in a correctional facility pending the determination of his bail application.