The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Igoin Tokoni Peter before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged fraud and impersonation.
Peter was arraigned on Friday before Justice Obiora Egwuatu on a four-count charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining money under false pretence.
The EFCC alleged that the defendant posed as a special adviser to President Bola Tinubu on ICT development and digital innovation.
According to the anti-graft agency, Peter allegedly obtained N25.9 million from Dontown Assets Limited under the pretence of securing a cryptocurrency exchange operational licence.
“That you, Igoin Tokoni Peter, sometime between 30th August, 2024 and 30th October, 2025 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court with the intent to defraud, obtained the aggregate sum of N25,941,787.00,” the charge reads.
The EFCC alleged that the money was received through the account of Smartz Skyward Energy Limited domiciled with Zenith Bank.
The commission further alleged that Peter falsely claimed to be a special assistant to the president on ICT development and digital innovations.
In another count, the EFCC accused the defendant of obtaining N19.8 million from Jeriod Limited under similar pretences.
The anti-graft agency said the offences contravened provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006. Peter pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following his plea, Christopher Mshelia, counsel to the EFCC, asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in Kuje correctional centre pending trial.
However, in his ruling, Justice Egwuatu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N400 million with two sureties in like sum.
The judge ruled that the sureties must be Abuja residents, while one must own landed property and provide relevant documents, passport photographs and means of identification.
The court also directed that the second surety must be a civil servant on grade level 15 who must provide official identification and passport photographs.
Egwuatu ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kuje correctional centre pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions. The matter was adjourned to July 16, 2026, for commencement of trial.