EFCC vs Aondoaseer: Kaduna’s ₦32 Million Cassava Deal Gone Sour

 

The courtroom in Kaduna has just added another drama to its docket — one that involves millions of naira, bold promises, and a December showdown that could define anti-fraud enforcement in Northern Nigeria.

On September 29, 2025, the Kaduna Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Jande Michael Aondoaseer before Justice Darius Khobo of the Kaduna State High Court. The charge? Impersonation and obtaining by false pretence, to the tune of ₦32,400,000.

According to the charge sheet, Aondoaseer, while serving as the Managing Director of Lutojan Nigeria Limited, approached Trapcco Ranch & Resort Limited sometime between July and August 2024, claiming he was a vendor for Olam Nigeria Limited. He purportedly assured Trapcco that he could supply 90 tons of cassava chips. Trusting that representation, Trapcco allegedly paid him ₦32.4 million — money that prosecutors now contend he never intended to deliver.

When brought before the court, Aondoaseer pleaded “not guilty.” The defence then moved to request bail, while the prosecution pressed for a trial date.

Justice Khobo granted bail of ₦10 million, with the requirement that the surety must be an owner of a landed property within the jurisdiction (to be certified by Kaduna Geographic Information System, KADGIS). In addition, the surety must deposit their passport with the court registry.

Until the bail conditions are satisfied, Aondoaseer remains remanded in a correctional facility. The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 2, 2025.

The legal battle began when Clique Legal Consult petitioned the EFCC on behalf of Trapcco Ranch & Resort Limited, alleging that Aondoaseer approached them with the cassava chips scheme and, after receiving the funds, disappeared.

In the petition, it was claimed that Aondoaseer promised Trapcco a return on investment of ₦9,472,500 for facilitating the cassava supply deal. After receiving payment, however, he allegedly became unresponsive and unavailable.

The charge cites Section 1(1)(b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, with punishment under Section 1(3). The law targets schemes in which persons solicit funds by false pretences, promising delivery of goods or services they never intend to provide.

If convicted, Aondoaseer could face penalties including imprisonment, fines, and/or restitution of the amount misappropriated.

Evidence trail: Documents, emails, contracts, payment receipts, communication logs — all will be crucial to either proving or disproving intent and delivery capability.

Vendor legitimacy: Was Aondoaseer truly associated with Olam or merely impersonating? Can he show credible links or contracts?

Defence arguments: Expect motions about procedural lapses or argument that he acted in good faith, or that intermediaries played roles outside his control.

Public pressure: Strong media coverage and civil society attention may push for transparency and resistance to back-door concessions,

Precedent value: In Kaduna especially, this case could set tone for how financial fraud is prosecuted in states beyond Nigeria’s capital corridor.

This isn’t just about ₦32 million. It is emblematic of Nigeria’s long-standing struggle with sophisticated fraud, especially in agribusiness schemes and deals outside core urban centers. A strong verdict here could send a message: no more safe havens for financial wrongdoing. A weak outcome — or leniency — could fuel cynicism about selective justice.

What to Expect by December

1. Motion hearings — expect arguments to suppress evidence, cross-examinations of petitioners and witnesses.

2. Witness testimonies — Trapcco executives, intermediaries, or even Olam staff if linked.

3. Cross-checks of submission and delivery claims — whether any part of the supposed cassava supply was mobilized.

4. Possible plea negotiations — though given the public nature of the case, the EFCC may push to try it fully.

5. Media and civil society attention — the court may come under scrutiny to ensure fairness and accountability.

The Aondoaseer saga is poised to be a litmus test for Nigeria’s resolve in prosecuting white-collar crimes, especially in regions underrepresented in national headlines. As December’s hearing looms, this case underscores the need for vigilance, transparency, and accountability — not just in high places, but in everyday commerce.

#BreakingNews #Kaduna #NigeriaNews #EFCC #FraudCase #CourtUpdate
#Aondoaseer #CassavaFraud #N32MillionScam #JusticeInKaduna #AdvanceFeeFraud
#SayNoToFraud #Accountability #Transparency #NigeriaUpdates #DecemberShowdown
#DailyGistGuide