The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a man, Bello Muhammad Kaloma, also known as Muhammad Auwal, before a Federal High Court in Bauchi State over an alleged N6.16 million fraud involving a purported auctioned tractor.

In a statement on Thursday, the commission’s Maiduguri Zonal office arraigned Mr Kaloma before Justice Aminu Garba on a four-count charge bordering on obtaining money under false pretence and money laundering.

According to the EFCC, Mr Kaloma allegedly obtained N5.7 million through electronic transfers from MB Modi Logistics Nigeria Limited, a company owned by Musa Umar Ibrahim, on April 23, 2025.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The commission alleged that the defendant falsely claimed the money was for the purchase of a tractor being auctioned by the executive chairman of Ganjuwa Local Government Area.

The charge stated that Mr Kaloma received the money into his personal account domiciled with First City Monument Bank (FCMB), under the pretence that the tractor would be delivered to the petitioner.

Following the defendant’s plea, prosecution counsel, M.T. Iko, asked the court to fix a date for trial and remand him in a correctional centre.

Justice Garba adjourned the case until October 30, 2026, for trial and ordered that the defendant be remanded in a correctional centre.

The EFCC said the case originated when the defendant allegedly approached the petitioner and claimed that his boss intended to auction a tractor for N6.16 million.

The petitioner reportedly transferred the money in two instalments, but the tractor was never delivered, and the money was not refunded.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

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