EFCC Arraigns Two in Abuja Over Alleged N26m Vote-Buying, Money Laundering

Story: written by Peterson September 11,2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two suspects, Esther Ashivelli Dawaki and Shehu Aliyu Fatange, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of vote-buying and money laundering involving N26 million.

The defendants were docked on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and engaging in cash transactions above legal limits.

According to the EFCC, Dawaki and Fatange allegedly handled N26 million suspected to have been set aside for vote-buying during the August 16 Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election in Kaduna State.

They were arrested after operatives recovered over N26.4 million from a Toyota Corolla parked at a hotel linked to the case.

Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Nwite ordered that Dawaki be remanded at Suleja Correctional Centre, while Fatange was taken to Kuje Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned to September 15 for hearing on their bail applications.

The EFCC said the prosecution reflects its resolve to clamp down on electoral fraud, vote-buying, and illicit financial transactions undermining Nigeria’s democracy.