The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, arraigned Lagos businessman Wilson Opuwei and his company, Dateline Energy Services Ltd., before Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja over an alleged $550,000 fraud. Opuwei faces a four-count charge, including obtaining money by false pretence and stealing.
The EFCC alleges that in April 2011, Opuwei obtained $500,000 from Prince Donatus Okonkwo through an intermediary, Chimaobi Anyaso, under the false claim that it was payment for the allocation of 5,000 metric tonnes of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) from the Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC). He is also accused of obtaining an additional $50,000 from Okonkwo for the same purported allocation, a sum he allegedly knew was untrue.
Opuwei pleaded not guilty to all charges. The prosecution, led by Nwandu Ukoha on behalf of Fadeke Giwa, explained that the case had suffered repeated delays over the years due to judicial transfers and alleged delay tactics by the defence. The matter had previously been handled by multiple judges, including Justice Habeeb Abiru and Justice Lawal Akapo, before being reassigned to Justice Abike-Fadipe for a fresh trial.
The defence reminded the court that Opuwei had been granted bail on May 22, 2012, and requested that he be allowed to continue on the same conditions. Justice Abike-Fadipe approved this request and scheduled the trial for March 19, 30, 31, and April 1 and 2, 2026.
The EFCC’s arraignment reinforces its ongoing commitment to tackling high-profile financial crimes and ensuring accountability for alleged fraudulent schemes.
