EFCC Appeals Omatsuli N3.6Bn Acquittal

The Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an appeal at the Nigeria — Nigerian Courts of Appeal to overturn the acquittal of Tuoyo Omatsuli, a former Executive Director of Projects at the Nigeria — Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and three others, including Francis Momoh, Don Parker Properties Limited, and Building Associates Limited, in an alleged N3.6 billion fraud case. Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Nigeria — Federal High Court of Nigeria had acquitted the defendants on March 3, 2026, stating the prosecution failed to prove the charges. The Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission argues that the trial judge erred in law and fact, disregarded earlier Nigeria — Nigerian Courts of Appeal findings, and failed to properly evaluate evidence. The case centers on N3.645 billion allegedly paid as 'appreciation' by a contractor to NDDC board members, routed through Building Associates Limited to Tuoyo Omatsuli, and then used to acquire properties in Lagos via Don Parker Properties Limited. These properties have already been forfeited to Nigeria through a separate civil process. The Nigeria — Economic and Financial Crimes Commission insists the funds were unlawful gratification and that the defendants engaged in a coordinated money laundering scheme, including concealment efforts. No date has been set for the appeal hearing.