July 18, 2026
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Kuje has adjourned the alleged ₦179 million fraud trial of former APC Kaduna South senatorial aspirant, Engr. Michael Ayuba Auta, until November 10, 2026.
Auta and his company, KYC Holdings Limited, are standing trial on a four-count charge filed by the Inspector General of Police, bordering on alleged obtaining of money by false pretence, conspiracy, cheating, and dishonest conversion.
According to the prosecution, the defendants allegedly obtained ₦179 million from Arodiogbu Enterprises Limited through the purported sale of a parcel of land in Guzape, Abuja. Prosecutors allege that the promised valid title to the property was never transferred and that other contractual obligations connected with the transaction were not fulfilled.
The charge of obtaining money by false pretence is brought under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment upon conviction. The remaining charges include conspiracy, cheating, and dishonest conversion under the Penal Code.
Justice Chinyere E. Nwecheonwu had earlier remanded Auta at the Kuje Correctional Centre after he failed to meet his bail conditions. He was subsequently released on July 2, 2026, after meeting the bail requirements.
The case has been adjourned until November 10, 2026, for continuation of trial proceedings.
The defendant remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
