EFCC Arraigns PDP Candidate and Campaign Director General for Alleged Financial Crimes

Strategic Insights -

Esther Dawaki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) House of Representatives candidate for Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency by-election, and Shehu Fatange, the Director General of her campaign organisation, were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday for alleged financial crimes. The accused are facing prosecution before Justice Emeka Nwite on a five-count charge bordering on accepting and making cash payments in excess of the amount authorised by law, conspiracy, and money laundering to the tune of ₦26 million.

Key Takeaways:

  • Esther Dawaki, the PDP House of Representatives candidate, and Shehu Fatange, the Director General of her campaign organisation, were arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday for alleged financial crimes.
  • The accused are facing prosecution before Justice Emeka Nwite on a five-count charge bordering on accepting and making cash payments in excess of the amount authorised by law, conspiracy, and money laundering to the tune of ₦26 million.
  • The charges include accepting cash payment of the sum of ₦26 million without going through a financial institution, which exceeds the amount authorised by law, contrary to Section 21(C )(a) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
  • Another charge includes accepting cash payment of the sum of ₦26 million, which exceeds the amount authorised by law, contrary to Sections 2(1)(a) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
  • The accused are alleged to have committed the offence on the 16th of August, 2025, at Kaduna within the jurisdiction of the court.

Key Names and Initiatives:

  • Esther Dawaki, PDP House of Representatives candidate
  • Shehu Fatange, Director General of Esther Dawaki's campaign organisation
  • Justice Emeka Nwite, presiding judge
  • Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022
  • Federal High Court, Abuja

Statistics:

  • ₦26 million (amount alleged to have been laundered)
  • 5 counts (charges filed against the accused)
  • Section 21(C )(a) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022
  • Section 2(1)(a) and 19(1)(d) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022

Sources:

  • "EFCC Arraigns PDP Candidate and Campaign Director General for Alleged Financial Crimes" (source not explicitly mentioned)