ABUJA, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a man identified as Igoin Tokoni Peter before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of impersonation and obtaining money under false pretence amounting to over N25 million.
Peter was arraigned before Justice Obiora Egwuatu on a four-count charge after allegedly posing as a Special Assistant to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation.
Okay News reports that the EFCC accused the defendant of fraudulently collecting money from companies under the claim that he could secure cryptocurrency exchange operational licences through presidential connections.
According to the anti-graft agency, the alleged offences occurred between August 2024 and October 2025 in Abuja.
In one of the charges, the EFCC alleged that Peter obtained N25.9 million from Dontown Assets Limited through the account of Smartz Skyward Energy Limited domiciled with Zenith Bank, while falsely presenting himself as a presidential aide.
The commission further alleged that he separately obtained another N19.8 million from Jeriod Limited under similar claims linked to cryptocurrency licensing arrangements.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court.
Following his plea, prosecution counsel Christopher Mshelia asked the court to fix a trial date and remand the defendant in Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial.
Justice Egwuatu subsequently granted Peter bail in the sum of N400 million with two sureties in like sum. The court ruled that one surety must be an Abuja-based property owner who would provide relevant property documents, identification, and passport photographs, while the second must be a Grade Level 15 civil servant.
The judge also ordered that the defendant remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the bail conditions are fulfilled.
The matter was adjourned until July 16, 2026 for commencement of trial.
