The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arraigned Esther Ashivelli Dawaki and Shehu Aliyu Fatange before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, money laundering, and cash transactions exceeding legal limits.

The duo allegedly handled N26 million suspected to be earmarked for vote buying during the August 16 Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election in Kaduna.

They were arrested after EFCC operatives recovered over N26.4 million from a Toyota Corolla parked at a hotel.

Both pleaded not guilty. Justice Nwite ordered Dawaki’s remand at Suleja Correctional Centre and Fatange’s at Kuje, adjourning the case to September 15 for bail hearing.