Court stops EFCC from arresting Dubai-Based businessman over $1.9m fraud claim

…Judge grants interim order against anti-graft agency

…Tijjani accuses petitioner of covering up DSS investigation

A Federal High Court in Kaduna has barred the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting or harassing Alhaji Rabiu Tijjani, a Dubai-based Nigerian businessman, over allegations of a $1.9 million fraud.

Justice Hauwa’u Buhari granted the interim injunction on Tuesday while ruling on an ex parte motion filed by Tijjani’s counsel, Muhammad Zakariyya Dikko.

The EFCC declared Tijjani wanted on 11 July, accusing him of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, and laundering more than $1.9 million. Tijjani denied the claims, describing the Commission’s public notice as damaging to his reputation and jeopardising his multi-million-dollar refinery project in Abuja.

In court filings, Tijjani explained that he entered into a transaction with Ifeanyi Ezeokoli in January 2022 to exchange $76 million in Dubai for its naira equivalent in Nigeria. After reconciling accounts, he refunded N26 million for an overpayment but later discovered that he had overpaid by over $2 million due to accounting discrepancies.

Attempts to resolve the issue reportedly failed, prompting Tijjani to petition the Department of State Services (DSS). An independent audit was then arranged, which allegedly uncovered fake addresses linked to companies involved in the deal.

Tijjani’s lawyer told the court that the EFCC had acted without extending an official invitation to his client, opting instead for a public notice that damaged his reputation and unsettled investors.

Justice Buhari ordered the EFCC to suspend any move to summon, arrest, detain, or prosecute Tijjani until the substantive case is resolved. The hearing was adjourned to 18 September 2025.