The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned two individuals and their companies before the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over an alleged N986 million fuel supply fraud and the alleged diversion of additional funds.
The defendants, Ajayi Edward Olushola and his company, Hola Jay Nigeria Limited, were re-arraigned alongside Hannah Nwaguzor Ify and Mozann Global Merchant Limited before Justice Fadipe on an amended four-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
According to the EFCC, the amended charge followed the arrest of Hannah Nwaguzor Ify, who had previously been at large, prompting the inclusion of both her and Mozann Global Merchant Limited in the case.
Reading one of the charges before the court, the prosecution alleged: “That you… by false pretence, represented that you had the capacity to supply one million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N986,000,000.00 from Prince Chukwulota Bennett Onuoha.”
In another count, the EFCC alleged: “That you… dishonestly converted to your own use the sum of N84,779,000.00 from Irene Abidemi Ifanse for yourselves.”
The four defendants pleaded, “not guilty” when the charges were read to them.
Following the plea, prosecution counsel, H. U. Kofarnaisa, urged the court to remand the fourth defendant pending trial.
Justice Fadipe granted the application, ordering that Hannah Nwaguzor Ify be remanded in a correctional centre.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case until July 7, 2026, for the commencement of trial.