The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Wednesday arraigned Esther Dawaki, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the Chikun/Kajuru Federal Constituency bye-election, and her campaign director-general, Shehu Fatange, before Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
The duo are facing a five-count charge of conspiracy, money laundering, and receiving cash payments above the limit permitted by law, involving ₦26 million allegedly set aside for vote buying during the August 16, 2025 poll.
According to the EFCC, Dawaki and Fatange were arrested in Kaduna after investigators recovered ₦26,463,000 from a Toyota Corolla parked at a hotel, which the agency said was intended for electoral malpractice.
Fatange was said to have identified himself at the time of arrest as Dawaki’s campaign director-general.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty. Prosecution counsel M. O. Arumemi asked for their remand in prison custody pending trial, while defence lawyers sought temporary bail.
Justice Nwite ordered Dawaki’s remand at the Suleja Correctional Centre and Fatange’s detention at Kuje Correctional Centre, pending a ruling on their bail applications.
The case comes amid PDP allegations that the EFCC’s actions were politically motivated and aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the bye-election.