The Uyo Zonal Office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned six men before Justice Onah Sergius of the Federal High Court 2, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Tuesday, November 11, 2025.
The suspects, Emmanuel Edet Okon, Essein Edem Archibong, Edet Sam Udoh (also known as Enobong Clement Etim), Edwin Etim, Anthony Christopher Atauyo, and Imaikop Okon Dickson, face charges linked to alleged land fraud.
The defendants are charged with three counts involving money laundering, conspiracy, and obtaining money by false pretence.
One of the counts alleges that in July 2025, using a United Bank for Africa account (1027675758), the suspects unlawfully took possession of ₦5,980,000, knowing it formed part of proceeds from fraud.
The act contravenes Section 18(2)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the same Act.
All six accused pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them.
Prosecution counsel, Khamis Mahmoud, requested the court to schedule a date for witness testimonies to establish the case. Meanwhile, the defence, represented by Peter Ekpo, Nsikak Edet, and Emmanuel Udoi, sought a short date to allow the prosecution to file formal bail applications.
Justice Onah adjourned proceedings to November 24, 2025, for bail hearing and trial and ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre, Uyo.
The case originated from a petition by Aniekan Etukudo Koffi, who accused the suspects of defrauding him of ₦6 million. Koffi alleged the men sold him a plot of land in Ifa Ikot Ubo, Ifa Ikot Okpon-Etoi, Uyo Local Government Area. After payment, he was unable to access or develop the property, discovering it did not belong to the accused.
This case highlights the EFCC’s ongoing efforts to combat property-related fraud and money laundering in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria.
