The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, arraigned Evangeline Atanda Ibadha before Justice (Professor) C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State.
Ibadha, a former manager at JustProtein Supermarket, is facing a five-count charge bordering on stealing by conversion and the diversion of funds amounting to ₦547,307,016 (Five Hundred and Forty-Seven Million, Three Hundred and Seven Thousand, Sixteen Naira).
One of the counts alleges that on November 1, 2022, she took possession of ₦10,005,000, paid into her Eco Bank account, knowing or having reason to know that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activity. Another count claims that between January 2018 and January 2025, she took control of ₦319,335,216, paid into her First Bank account, also believed to be linked to stealing by conversion. Both charges are said to be offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 18(2)(d) and 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Upon arraignment, the defendant pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel I. M. Elodi requested that she be remanded in Correctional Service custody pending trial, while defence counsel Evans Ogbeifun asked the court to act as interim surety pending a formal bail application.
Justice Obiozor adjourned the matter to December 8, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application.
