EFCC Arrests Suspended City Boy Movement Official Over Alleged Fraud

 The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Halimat Adenike Tejuosho, the suspended South-West Zonal Coordinator of the women’s wing of the City Boy Movement, over allegations of obtaining money by false pretence.

 EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed that Tejuosho was arrested on September 8 and remains in the commission’s custody. The arrest followed an investigation arising from complaints that she allegedly collected money from individuals while claiming she could secure federal government appointments and lucrative contracts for them.

 The commission had declared Tejuosho wanted in April 2026 in connection with the investigation. At the time, the EFCC said she was wanted over an alleged case of obtaining money by false pretence and appealed to members of the public with information about her whereabouts to contact the appropriate authorities.

 The case raises significant compliance concerns around the use of purported access to government institutions to solicit money for appointments or contracts.

 According to the EFCC investigation, Tejuosho allegedly used forged documents and fabricated appointment letters to create the impression that she had the authority or connections required to facilitate government appointments and contracts. She had previously been questioned by the commission in June 2025 and was subsequently granted administrative bail while investigations continued.

 Tejuosho is also identified as the founder of Haleems Integrated Services Limited. The allegations against her remain subject to investigation, and an arrest or investigation does not by itself establish criminal liability.

 The development has also raised questions about the compliance controls applied by political organisations to their officials. Tejuosho held a senior position within the City Boy Movement, a political advocacy group that supports President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

 Following the EFCC’s April wanted notice, the movement suspended her as its South-West zonal coordinator of the women’s wing. The organisation said the suspension was an administrative measure intended to protect its credibility and ethical standards and to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

 From a compliance perspective, the case illustrates the risks created when individuals represent themselves, explicitly or implicitly, as having privileged access to public-sector appointments or procurement opportunities.

 Government appointments and public contracts are governed by formal procedures and institutional approvals. Political affiliation or proximity to government does not, by itself, confer legal authority to guarantee the award of a public contract or appointment to a government position.

 The allegations therefore raise questions about the due-diligence measures that prospective beneficiaries of government contracts and appointments should apply before making payments to intermediaries. They also highlight the importance of verifying purported appointment letters, contract offers and official communications directly with the relevant government institution.

 For political organisations, the incident raises a separate governance question: what internal safeguards exist to prevent officeholders from exploiting their positions or organisational identities for private financial gain?

 The City Boy Movement’s decision to suspend Tejuosho following the EFCC declaration represents an administrative response. The broader compliance issue, however, is whether political and civic organisations have effective codes of conduct, conflict-of-interest policies, complaint mechanisms and disciplinary procedures capable of identifying and addressing such allegations.

 The case also highlights the distinction between political influence and lawful authority. Claims of access to government officials do not constitute legal authority to award contracts or make public appointments. Procurement decisions are expected to follow applicable public procurement rules, while appointments are subject to the laws and administrative procedures governing the relevant institution.

 The EFCC’s investigation will ultimately need to establish whether money was obtained, what representations were made to the alleged victims, whether documents were falsified, where the funds went and whether other individuals or entities were involved.

 Until those questions are resolved through investigation and, where applicable, judicial proceedings, the allegations against Tejuosho remain allegations.

 For businesses and individuals seeking government contracts or appointments, the episode offers a straightforward compliance lesson: claims of political access should never substitute for formal verification of government processes.

 It also places renewed attention on the need for transparent procurement procedures, verifiable government communications and effective controls against individuals who allegedly use the promise of public-sector access as a means of obtaining money.

 The EFCC’s continuing investigation is expected to determine the facts surrounding the alleged transactions and whether further action, including prosecution, is warranted.