By Ayomide Otitoju
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, a prominent Abuja-based entrepreneur and founder of Haleems Integrated Services Limited, for her alleged role in a high-profile scam involving fraudulent federal appointments and contracts.
Tejuosho is accused of defrauding multiple individuals by falsely promising to secure federal appointments and government contracts through political connections. EFCC investigators said she operated an elaborate scheme using forged documents, counterfeit appointment letters, and the impersonation of top government officials, including an alleged claim to be an aide to the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
According to the EFCC, Tejuosho has been previously recommended for prosecution on charges including Advance Fee Fraud, Criminal Diversion of Funds, Criminal Breach of Trust, and Cheating.
“She built trust by leveraging humanitarian activities and NGO affiliations to lure victims, masking her operations under the guise of professional legitimacy,” an EFCC official stated.
Following her arrest, Tejuosho was granted administrative bail under stringent conditions. Investigations are ongoing to identify additional victims and recover diverted funds.
One of the key complaints against her involves a disputed N436 million and $21,500 contract with businessman Emmanuel Suku for a 500-unit housing project reportedly awarded by the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. Court documents indicate that Tejuosho allegedly diverted the funds to purchase luxury vehicles, including a Mercedes Benz GLE 450 and a Range Rover Sport, worth over ₦150 million.
Tejuosho, however, has denied the allegations. She claims the deal was an investment partnership with a four-year profit-sharing plan, and not a loan. “We had agreed that about ₦500 million would be needed to reach project milestones,” she said, describing Suku’s contract termination and subsequent legal action as harassment.
