Halimat Adenike Tejuosho under EFCC watch

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is investigating allegations of fraud and influence peddling involving Halimat Adenike Tejuoso following claims by businesswoman Mary Sholoye that over N600 million was allegedly collected under the guise of facilitating federal appointments.

According to documents linked to the case, Sholoye alleged that she was introduced to Tejuoso as a person with connections to top government officials capable of securing contracts and political appointments.

The petitioner claimed that large sums were paid through bank transfers for “official payments and logistics,” but investigations reportedly revealed that no genuine government contracts or appointments existed.

The matter later escalated after Tejuoso reportedly claimed in a media publication that she was also defrauded by one Mallam Ibrahim Gidado, whom she accused of promising ministerial and other federal appointments.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission subsequently arrested Gidado and charged both him and Tejuoso to court on allegations bordering on obtaining by false pretence.

While Gidado was reportedly remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre, Tejuoso was said to have failed to honour repeated invitations from investigators, leading to her being declared wanted by the anti-graft agency.

Tejuoso had earlier cited health challenges, including brain tumour, diabetes and hypertension, as reasons for her inability to appear before investigators.

The controversy further generated reactions after the City Boys Movement suspended Tejuoso as its South-West Women Leader following the EFCC’s wanted declaration.

Meanwhile, Tejuoso had also filed a defamation suit against Sholoye at an Abuja court, although the matter has yet to make significant progress.