The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against three individuals for alleged fraud totalling N74.6 million.

The defendants, Vincent Markus, Ahmed Aliyu Maiizawaka, and Enoch Adebayo Richard, were arraigned before Justice K. Dagat of the Federal High Court in Maiduguri on Tuesday, March 4, 2025.

The trio face separate charges including money laundering, impersonation, obtaining money by false pretences, and internet-related offences.

According to the EFCC, Vincent Markus, also known as kayluvjaybaby, is accused of receiving N27.6 million into his Kuda Microfinance Bank account, proceeds allegedly derived from defrauding foreign nationals through social media platform TikTok.

The charge sheet detailed alleged victims including individuals from the United States.

“Mr. Markus knowingly took possession of funds derived from fraudulent activities, representing himself falsely to unsuspecting individuals,” stated a representative from the EFCC.

Ahmed Aliyu Maiizawaka, alongside his company Maizawaka De-Crawler Nigeria Limited, is alleged to have converted N9 million, suspected to be the proceeds of unlawful activities.

“Mr. Maiizawaka, as the CEO, is accused of converting funds he knew or ought to have known were derived from false pretences,” the charge sheet stated.

Enoch Adebayo Richard faces charges of receiving US dollar-denominated cash apps and gift coins valued at approximately $40, which, when converted to naira, amounted to N38 million.

The funds were allegedly deposited into his Opay Microfinance Bank account. “Mr. Richard received funds from foreign nationals, knowing them to be proceeds of fraud,” the EFCC alleged.

All three defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Prosecution counsel, Faruku Muhammad, requested the court to set a trial date and remand the defendants in a correctional centre. “We are ready to present our evidence and seek justice for the victims,” Muhammad said.

Justice Dagat adjourned the cases to May 14, 12 and 24, 2025, for the commencement of trials and ordered the defendants to be remanded in a correctional centre. “The court will ensure a fair and thorough trial,” Justice Dagat stated.