The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Ali Bala and Yusuf Umar Anka before the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja over an alleged £110,000 and ₦500 million fraud.
The EFCC arraignment took place on Friday, September 4, 2026, before Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi.
The defendants are facing a 10-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, stealing and retention of stolen property.
EFCC Arraignment Centres on Alleged Money Laundering
According to the EFCC, one of the charges alleges that Bala, also known as Barrister Ahmed, and Anka conducted financial transactions involving proceeds of unlawful activities in an attempt to disguise the source of £110,000 allegedly stolen in 2025.
The alleged offence was brought under Section 7(1)(b)(i) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The commission further accused the defendants of offences relating to the alleged fraudulent handling and retention of proceeds connected to the case.
Ali Bala, Yusuf Umar Anka Plead Not Guilty
During the EFCC arraignment, both Ali Bala and Yusuf Umar Anka pleaded not guilty to all 10 counts filed against them.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, H.U. Kofarnaisa, asked the court to set a date for trial.
The prosecution also urged Justice Ogunjobi to remand the defendants in a correctional facility pending the determination of the case.
Defence Seeks Bail for EFCC Defendants
Defence counsel informed the court that a bail application was already pending.
The development prompted the court to schedule a hearing for the defendants’ bail application before making further decisions on their custody.
Court Orders Remand in EFCC Custody
In his ruling, Justice Olukayode Ogunjobi adjourned the case until September 8, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application.
The judge also ordered that Ali Bala and Yusuf Umar Anka remain in EFCC custody pending the hearing.
The case will therefore return before the Lagos State High Court as the defendants seek bail while the EFCC prepares to proceed with the prosecution of the alleged £110,000 and ₦500 million fraud.
