Philanthropic businessman and CEO of Diamond Leeds, Chief Kenneth Ifekudu, has petitioned Nigeria’s Chief Justice over the transfer of criminal charges involving alleged serial fraudster and Abuja socialite Prince Chibuike Echem, as well as Danjuma Mohammed, former National Coordinator of the Multi-Sectoral Crisis Recovery Project (MCRP) at the North East Development Commission.
The case, involving an alleged multi-billion-naira contract fraud, was moved from Court No. 15 to Court No. 13.
In a petition dated March 9, 2026, addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chair of the National Judicial Council, Chief Ifekudu’s lawyer, Chief B.C. Igwilo, SAN, expressed concern over the lack of transparency and clarity about the reasons for the case’s transfer.
He urged the Chief Justice to review the transfer promptly and take steps to uphold transparency, fairness, and judicial integrity.
The lawyer highlighted that the Prosecution was not notified of any request or communication that prompted the transfer, nor was it aware of the grounds for it.
The petition, titled "PETITION CONCERNING THE TRANSFER OF CHARGE NO: CR/708/25; FRN V ALHAJI MOHAMMED DANJUMA & ANOR FROM THE ORIGINAL FCT TRIAL COURT NO. 15 TO A NEW TRIAL COURT NO. 13," explained that the original court had scheduled a hearing for 10 consecutive days, in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.
However, the nominal complainant learned that the case had been transferred to Court No. 12, presided over by Hon. Justice Y. Halilu, with a hearing notice issued for March 11, 2026.
"The Nominal Complainant was understandably surprised. Upon inquiry with the EFCC, managing the prosecution, it was confirmed that no notice or request prompted the transfer, and the basis for it was unknown," the petition states.
Chief Igwilo (SAN) urged the CJN to investigate the transfer, verify whether it followed judicial procedures, and ensure it was conducted transparently and fairly. He also called for guidance or intervention to maintain public confidence in the judiciary.
In January, the EFCC filed a 55-count charge against Prince Chibuike Echem and Danjuma Mohammed—alleged serial fraudsters and prominent Abuja socialites—involving multi-billion naira contract fraud.
They are accused of defrauding Diamond Leeds Limited of over N2.2 billion by posing as contract facilitators linked to major government agencies.
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