The Benin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, arraigned Evangeline Atanda Ibadha, the former manager of JustProtein Supermarket, before Justice (Professor) C. A. Obiozor of the Federal High Court in Benin City, Edo State.
Ibadha faces a five-count charge of stealing by conversion and diversion of funds totaling N547,307,016 (Five Hundred and Forty-Seven Million, Three Hundred and Seven Thousand, Sixteen Naira).
According to the charges, one of the counts alleges that on November 1, 2022, Ibadha “indirectly took possession and control of the sum of N10,005,000 paid into her Eco Bank account, knowing that it formed part of the proceeds of her unlawful act,” an offence punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Another count alleges that between January 2018 and January 2025, she “indirectly took possession and control of N319,335,216 paid into her First Bank account,” also in violation of the same law.
Upon arraignment, Ibadha pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution, represented by I. M. Elodi, requested the court to remand her at the Correctional Service and set a trial date. Meanwhile, defence counsel Evans Ogbeifun sought interim bail for Ibadha pending the determination of her formal bail application.
Justice Obiozor adjourned the matter to December 8, 2025, for the hearing of the bail application.
