The EFCC has arrested Abuja businesswoman Halimat Tejuosho over an alleged N603.4m job scam, months after declaring her wanted
EFCC Finally Arrests Wanted Abuja Businesswoman Over Alleged N603m Job Scam
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Abuja-based businesswoman Halimat Adenike Tejuosho over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence, months after the anti-graft agency declared her wanted in connection with its investigation.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest, saying Tejuosho was taken into custody on September 8.
“She is in our custody,” Oyewale said.
The arrest marks a major development in the investigation, which has been ongoing for more than a year and involves allegations of fake government appointment letters, forged documents and claims that access to lucrative federal contracts and appointments could be secured.
Tejuosho, 41, who is the founder of Haleems Integrated Services Limited, was first questioned by the EFCC in June 2025 following complaints that she allegedly obtained money from individuals by promising to facilitate federal government appointments and contracts.
Investigators subsequently examined allegations that fake appointment letters and other documents were allegedly used to convince prospective beneficiaries that government positions and contracts could be obtained through her purported connections.
In April 2026, the EFCC declared Tejuosho wanted over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence. The agency listed her last known address as House A26, Aso Grove Estate, Maitama Extension, Abuja.
The investigation later moved into the courts, with the EFCC bringing charges against Tejuosho and another defendant over an alleged N603.4 million job scam involving a purported appointment at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, now known as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
On February 9, 2026, the EFCC arraigned Tejuosho in absentia alongside Gidado Ibrahim before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly obtained N603.4 million from Oluseye Yomi-Sholoye between August and October 2024 on the claim that they could facilitate her appointment as Group Managing Director of the NNPC.
Tejuosho was not in court when the matter came up and was listed as being at large, while Ibrahim pleaded not guilty to the six-count amended charge bordering on fraud, obtaining money by false pretence and forgery.
The allegations against Tejuosho have, however, been disputed by the businesswoman, who has previously denied wrongdoing and rejected media reports linking her to fraudulent activities.
In June 2025, following reports concerning the EFCC investigation, Tejuosho, through her lawyers, issued legal demands to several media organisations, seeking retractions, apologies and damages over reports she described as false and defamatory.
The legal letters, dated June 25 and 26, 2025, accused the affected publications of publishing and circulating reports that allegedly portrayed her as involved in fraudulent activities. First Weekly Magazine was among the media organisations named in the legal demands.
The publication had reported on the EFCC investigation and subsequently carried reports relating to the proceedings surrounding the alleged N603.4 million transaction.
Tejuosho’s political activities had also previously placed her in the public spotlight. She served as the South-West Zonal Coordinator of the women’s wing of the City Boy Movement, a political advocacy group associated with support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Her political affiliation, however, became a secondary issue following the EFCC’s decision to declare her wanted.
After the April 2026 wanted notice, the City Boy Movement suspended Tejuosho from her position pending the conclusion of the investigation. The group said the decision was intended to protect its image and allow the EFCC investigation to proceed without interference.
Her September 8 arrest now puts the long-running investigation back in focus as attention shifts to the allegations before the court and the next steps in the legal process.
The EFCC’s confirmation of her arrest does not amount to a conviction. The allegations remain unproven, while Tejuosho retains the right to defend herself in court and challenge the claims against her.
The outcome of the ongoing judicial process will ultimately determine whether the allegations against her are established.
