The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Lagos Zonal Directorate 1, Ikoyi, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, arraigned one Abraham Idowu Abiara before Justice Ismail Ijelu of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja for alleged $626,282 (Six Hundred and Twenty Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Two United States Dollars) fraud.

Abiara is standing trial on a one-count charge bordering on stealing and dishonest conversion of funds.

The count reads: “That you, Abraham Idowu Abiara on about the 2nd of September 2015, in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court dishonestly converted to your own use the aggregate sum of $626,285(Six Hundred and Twenty Six Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Two United States Dollars) committed an offence contrary to Section 280(2) and punishable under Section 287 of the criminal law of Lagos State 2015.”

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, C.C. Okezie urged the court to remand the defendant in a Correctional Facility and fix a date for trial.

Justice Ijelu, therefore adjourned the matter to October 26, 2026 for hearing of bail application and trial to commence.

Dele Oyewale, mnipr, fcipdm

Head, Media & Publicity

October 21, 2026