EFCC Arraigns PDP Campaign DG, Accomplice Over N26M Vote-Buying in Kaduna By-Election

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned two individuals before a federal high court in Abuja over allegations of money laundering and vote-buying involving N26 million.

EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the suspects, Esther Dawaki and Shehu Aliyu Fatange, appeared before Justice Emeka Nwite on a five-count charge of conspiracy, money laundering, and accepting cash payments above the legal threshold.

The suspects were arrested on August 16, 2025, in Kaduna with N26,463,000, suspected to be intended for vote-buying during the Chikun/Kajuru federal constituency by-election. The money was reportedly found inside a Toyota Corolla belonging to Fatange, parked at a hotel in Kaduna. Fatange is said to have identified himself as the director-general of the campaign office for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the by-election.

Both Dawaki and Fatange pleaded not guilty to the charges. EFCC counsel M.O. Arumemi requested a trial date and that the suspects be remanded in a correctional facility. Defence lawyers E.N. Ogbu and A.A. Ashat opposed the remand request, suggesting the suspects remain in EFCC custody pending bail determination.

Justice Nwite ordered Dawaki to be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre, while Fatange was sent to Kuje Correctional Centre. The court adjourned the case to September 15 for the hearing of bail applications.