Subscribe: Gist E-Paper
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Igoin Tokoni Peter before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged fraud and impersonation involving over N25 million.
Peter, who allegedly posed as a Special Adviser to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, was arraigned on Friday, May 15, 2026, before Justice Obiora Egwuatu on a four-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence and impersonation.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly deceived victims into believing he could secure cryptocurrency exchange operational licences through his purported position in the Presidency.
One of the charges stated that between August 30, 2024, and October 30, 2025, Peter allegedly obtained the sum of N25,941,787 from Dontown Assets Limited through the account of Smartz Skyward Energy Limited domiciled with Zenith Bank under false pretences.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that between September 5, 2024, and October 10, 2025, the defendant fraudulently obtained another N19,806,500 from Jeriod Limited using the same claim.
The EFCC said the offences contravene provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Peter pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court.
Following his plea, prosecution counsel, Christopher Mshelia, urged the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendant at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing.
Justice Egwuatu subsequently granted the defendant bail in the sum of N400 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court ruled that both sureties must reside in Abuja, while one must be a property owner who would provide relevant property documents, passport photograph, and valid means of identification. The second surety must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must also submit official identification and passport photographs.
The judge further ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned till July 16, 2026, for commencement of trial.
