EFCC arraigns fake presidential adviser over ₦25m fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Igoin Tokoni Peter before the Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly impersonating a presidential aide and defrauding victims of about ₦25 million.

Peter was brought before Justice Obiora Egwuatu on a four-count charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining money under false pretence.

According to the prosecution, the defendant falsely presented himself as a Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation and allegedly collected funds from companies under the guise of securing cryptocurrency exchange licences.

The EFCC told the court that between August 2024 and October 2025, the defendant obtained over ₦25.9 million from one firm, and an additional ₦19.8 million from another, through a company account domiciled in a commercial bank.

Peter pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following his plea, prosecution counsel Christopher Mshelia requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in custody.

Justice Egwuatu granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦400 million with two sureties in like sum. The court ruled that one surety must be a property owner resident in Abuja, while the other must be a Grade Level 15 civil servant, both required to present valid identification and relevant documents.

The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to July 16, 2026, for the commencement of trial.