The EFCC arraigned three men in Abuja for using blogger Tunde Ednut’s identity to fraudulently collect N18.2 million from members of the public.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC) has officially dragged three men before the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for allegedly stealing over N18.2 million from innocent members of the public by using the name and identity of famous Nigerian blogger and social media influencer, Adekunle Tunde Olaoluwa, widely known as Tunde Ednut.
The anti-corruption agency brought the suspects to court on Thursday, October 15, 2026, where they faced three heavy criminal charges bordering on internet fraud, impersonation, and collecting money under false pretences.
The three men brought before the presiding judge, Justice S. O. Ibrahim, were identified as Raymond Charles Yafetus, Auwal Ibrahim, and Babangida Yahaya Ibrahim, who is currently on the run from law enforcement officers.
According to the official charge sheet presented in court by the EFCC legal team, the suspects operated an illegal internet scheme between April and June 2026 within Abuja.
The prosecutor revealed that the suspects created fake internet profiles and opened unauthorized bank accounts using the popular blogger’s name to trick unsuspecting people into sending money for fake promotions and giveaways.
Reading out the second count of the official charge sheet inside the packed courtroom, the court clerk stated: “That you Raymond Charles Yafetus, Auwal Ibrahim, and Babangida Yahaya Ibrahim (now at large) between April and June 2026 at Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court with the intent to defraud, did fraudulently impersonate one Adekunle Tunde Olaoluwa, popularly known as Tunde Ednut and in that guise obtained the total sum of ₦18,264,700 (Eighteen Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand, Seven Hundred Naira).”
The prosecution counsel further explained that the suspects used the stolen identity to build false trust with online victims before collecting their hard-earned money under fake promises.
When the court clerk read the three criminal counts to the defendants in front of the judge, they both spoke out to deny all allegations made against them by the government agency.
Responding directly to the charges inside the dock, the defendants declared: “Not guilty.”
After their plea of not guilty, the lead prosecuting lawyer for the EFCC, Elizabeth Alabi, immediately asked the court to set a trial date and remand the suspects to prison while awaiting the full trial.
Seeking to keep the defendants in safe custody until the trial starts, the EFCC prosecutor asked the court to set a trial date and remand the defendants to the Kuje Correctional Centre in Abuja.
After listening to the arguments from both the prosecution lawyer and the defense counsel, Justice S. O. Ibrahim ordered that the suspects be taken straight to prison while the court prepares to hear witnesses in the case.
Delivering the court order on where the suspects will stay until trial, Justice Ibrahim ordered their remand to Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, and adjourned the matter until November 17, 2026, for the commencement of full trial.
The EFCC has warned citizens to always verify social media accounts and avoid paying money into unverified personal accounts claiming to represent public figures or celebrities.
Jennifer Baba is a journalist, international news correspondent, and writer at Moderncrux, where she covers artificial intelligence, fintech, emerging technologies, global politics, and international affairs. Based in Nigeria, she is passionate about transforming complex global developments into clear, engaging stories that inform and inspire readers.
