The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned BFI Group Corporation alongside six individuals before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jabi, Abuja, on allegations of fraud involving a purported €100 million Certificate of Capital Importation.
The defendants are Reuben M. Jaja, Uzor Chidi Jerry, David Femi James, Imeobong Jumbo Udom, Adeola Edward, and Emeka Emmanuel Okorie, were arraigned before Justice M.S. Idris on Thursday, 29 January 2026, on a five‑count amended charge bordering on conspiracy, fraud, and obtaining by false pretence.
According to the EFCC, between 12 August 2020 and March 2021, the defendants allegedly conspired to mislead the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) into issuing a Certificate of Capital Importation for €100 million, despite the funds not being deposited into any valid account.
Count One alleges that the defendants sought to induce the CBN to confer a benefit on BFI Group Corporation by false pretence, contrary to Sections 8(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.
Count Two specifically accuses BFI Group Corporation and Reuben M. Jaja of attempting to obtain the €100 million certificate by falsely claiming the funds were lodged in a non‑existent CBN account.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, requested that the amended charges be read and sought a trial date, as well as time to respond to pending bail applications. Defence counsel, Chinedu Eze, applied orally for bail, relying on the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and judicial precedent. The prosecution opposed, arguing that written bail applications were already before the court and oral submissions were inappropriate at this stage.
Justice Idris adjourned the matter to 3 February 2026 for ruling on the bail applications and for trial scheduling. The fourth defendant was remanded in EFCC custody, while the others were ordered to be held at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the court’s determination.
