EFCC
By Our Reporter
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned businessman Philip Ifejimalu Eze and his company, Orimiri Oil & Gas Limited, before an Abuja High Court over an alleged N63 million fraud involving the supply of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
Eze and his firm were brought before Justice A.H. Musa of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Apo, on Monday, July 21, 2025, on a one-count charge of obtaining goods under false pretence, in violation of Section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
According to the EFCC, the defendants induced one Chief Amechi Nduka, Managing Director of Amatex Oil & Gas Ltd, to supply 45,000 litres of diesel (AGO) worth N63 million, using a Mainstreet Bank cheque which was later dishonoured upon presentation at Zenith Bank.
The charge reads in part:
“That you, Philip Ifejimalu Eze and Orimiri Oil & Gas Limited, sometime in 2024 in Abuja… with intent to defraud, obtained 45,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil valued at N63,000,000.00 from one Chief Amechi Nduka… by falsely representing that the value of the product would be paid through a Mainstreet Bank cheque, a representation you knew to be false…”
Eze pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecution, led by Mariya Ujudud Shariff, requested a trial date, while Eze’s legal team applied for bail. Justice Musa granted bail in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties—one a civil servant not below Grade Level 12, and the other a property owner within the court’s jurisdiction. Both sureties are to provide supporting documentation, including an affidavit of means and employment verification.
The matter has been adjourned to November 11, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
