The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Igoin Tokoni Peter before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court in Abuja over an alleged multi-million naira fraud linked to fake promises of securing cryptocurrency operational licences.
Peter, who reportedly posed as a Special Adviser to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, was docked on a four-count charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining money under false pretence.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained over ₦25.9 million from Dontown Assets Limited between August 2024 and October 2025 through a Zenith Bank account belonging to Smartz Skyward Energy Limited.
The Commission told the court that the suspect claimed the funds were meant to facilitate the procurement of a cryptocurrency exchange operational licence.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that Peter obtained an additional ₦19.8 million from Jeriod Limited using the same representation.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the 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 the defendant bail in the sum of ₦400 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court ruled that both sureties must reside in Abuja. One of the sureties must own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory and provide relevant ownership documents, valid identification, and passport photographs, while the second must be a Grade Level 15 civil servant with official identification and passport photographs.
The judge ordered that the defendant remain in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned until July 16, 2026, for commencement of trial.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
