Igoin Tokoni Peter
By Abdullahi Abubakar
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned one Igoin Tokoni Peter before Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, over an alleged N25.9 million fraud linked to impersonation and false pretence.
Peter, who allegedly posed as a Special Adviser to the President on ICT Development and Digital Innovation, was brought before the court on Friday, May 15, 2026, on a four-count charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining money under false pretence.
According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly deceived companies into believing he could secure cryptocurrency exchange operational licences through his claimed connection to the Presidency.
One of the charges stated that between August 30, 2024 and October 30, 2025, Peter allegedly obtained N25,941,787 from Dontown Assets Limited through the account of Smartz Skyward Energy Limited domiciled in Zenith Bank, under the false claim that he was a presidential aide capable of facilitating crypto exchange licences.
The anti-graft agency further alleged that between September 5, 2024 and October 10, 2025, he fraudulently obtained another N19,806,500 from Jeriod Limited using the same representation.
The offences, according to the EFCC, contravene provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Peter pleaded not guilty to all the 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 at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending trial.
In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu granted the defendant bail in the sum of N400 million with two sureties in like sum. The court ordered that both sureties must reside in Abuja, with one being a property owner who must provide relevant property documents, passport photograph and valid means of identification. The second surety must be a Grade Level 15 civil servant who is also required to submit official identification and passport photographs.
The judge further ordered that Peter be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned to July 16, 2026, for commencement of trial.
