Alleged €100m Fraud: Defendant’s Ill Health Forces Adjournment in EFCC Case Against BFI Group, Seven Others

The trial of BFI Group Corporation and seven others over an alleged €100 million fraud was on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, adjourned after the third defendant, Ozor Chidi Jerry, suddenly took ill during proceedings at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Jabi, Abuja.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting BFI Group Corporation alongside Reuben M. Jaja, Ozor Chidi Jerry, David Femi James, Imeobong Jumbo Udom, Adeolu Edward, Emeka Emmanuel Okorie, and Johnson Gabriel, who is currently at large, on an amended five-count charge bordering on alleged fraud involving €100 million.

When the matter came up before Justice M.S. Idris, prosecution counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, informed the court that the day’s proceedings were scheduled for the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness (PW1), Babajide Adesanya.

However, shortly after the cross-examination began, Ozor Chidi Jerry, the third defendant, reportedly became ill in court, forcing the proceedings to be suspended.

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According to the amended charge, the defendants allegedly conspired between August 12, 2020, and March 2021 in Abuja to fraudulently induce the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to confer financial benefits on BFI Group Corporation by false pretence.

The charge states in part “That you, BFI Group Corporation, Reuben M. Jaja, Ozor Chidi Jerry, David Femi James, Imeobong Jumbo Udom, Adeolu Edward, Emeka Emmanuel Okorie, Johnson Gabriel (now at large), and other persons at large, between the 12th day of August, 2020 and March 2021 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, conspired among yourselves to induce the Central Bank of Nigeria to confer benefit on BFI Group Corporation by false pretence, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Sections 8(a) and 1(3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act.”

Following the development, Justice Idris adjourned the matter until October 21 and 22, 2026, for the continuation of the cross-examination of the prosecution witness and further hearing.