Arraignment and Court Proceedings

Two men accused of defrauding unsuspecting members of the public of N18.2 million by impersonating popular Nigerian celebrity blogger, Tunde Ednut, have been arraigned before a court in Abuja.

The defendants, who allegedly hijacked a Nigerian telephone number previously used by the blogger to defraud advertising clients and brands seeking sponsored posts on his Instagram page, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

Following their pleas, prosecution counsel Elizabeth Alabi urged the court to fix a date for trial and remand the defendants in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja. Presiding Justice Ibrahim ordered that the defendants be remanded in the correctional facility and adjourned the case until November 17, 2026.

Exploitation of Abandoned Phone Line

The defendants allegedly exploited the continued public association of the telephone number, 08030500605, with Tunde Ednut to deceive individuals and corporate entities who believed they were dealing directly with the social media personality.

The line, which is no longer active, was originally used by Ednut while he resided in Nigeria and was retained after he relocated abroad. However, after the blogger discarded the line last year and transitioned to a United States number, the suspects reportedly seized the opportunity to impersonate him and solicit advertising payments.

Operating the scheme, the suspects targeted former clients and brands seeking sponsored placements on the blogger's Instagram page. According to accounts of the incident, the fraudsters routinely blocked victims after receiving payments before moving on to new targets. One victim was allegedly defrauded of N2 million, among several others who incurred financial losses.

Petition, Investigation, and Arrest

Despite recurring public advisories posted by Tunde Ednut on his Instagram handle cautioning followers against the impersonation, the syndicate continued using his identity to execute the fraud.

The persistent misuse of his name and brand prompted the blogger to submit a formal petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Following an investigation by anti-graft operatives, the suspects were traced to hideouts in Abuja and taken into custody. Investigators established that the defendants had siphoned N18.2 million from victims prior to their apprehension. With the defendants pleading not guilty, the matter now proceeds toward full trial.