Two Suspects Arraigned in Adamawa for Impersonating Prominent Chief Dr. Maurice Vunobolki in Multi-Million Naira Fraud Scheme

Two Suspects Arraigned in Adamawa for Impersonating Prominent Chief Dr. Maurice Vunobolki in Multi-Million Naira Fraud Scheme

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‎In a bold crackdown on rising cases of identity theft and cyber-enabled fraud, two men were today arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court II in Yola for allegedly impersonating Chief Dr. Maurice Vunobolki, a well-known public figure and philanthropist to defraud unsuspecting victims.

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‎The suspects, Blessed Johnson (first defendant) and Emmanuel Ezekiel (second defendant), faced charges including criminal conspiracy, impersonation, and obtaining money by false pretence. 

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‎The complainant, Chief Dr. Maurice Vunobolki himself, lodged the complaint with the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yola on Monday, detailing how the duo allegedly used his name, title, and reputation to deceive and extract funds from their victims.

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‎According to police sources, the defendants reportedly posed as associates or representatives of the respected chief, known for his philantrophy and community leadership, to gain trust and carry out their fraudulent activities. 

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‎The exact amount defrauded remains under investigation, but authorities described the scheme as sophisticated and targeted at individuals familiar with Chief Vunobolki's status in Adamawa State.

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‎The case was mentioned today before Chief Magistrate Hon. Musa Alhaji Adamu. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to all the charges read against them, denying any involvement in the alleged impersonation and fraud.

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‎After hearing arguments from both the prosecution and defence counsels, the presiding magistrate adjourned the matter to February 2, 2026, for further hearing. In the meantime, the two suspects were remanded in custody at the Yola Correctional Centre.

The first defendant, Blessed Johnson, who was previously arrested in Ganye for impersonating Chief Maurice Vunobolki, was granted bail under controversial circumstances around October 2025. On January 12th, 2026, the same Blessed Johnson who posed as an aide to Chief Vunibolki called a church around  the Federal housing Jimeta to confirm how much the church has in their account and the amount needed as a top up to purchase a vehicle for the church and to complete their building project. The Church Senior pastor who suspected the caller to be a fraudster asked the caller to visit the church premises where he was arrested by a team of police officers. 

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‎This development comes amid growing concerns over impersonation scams in Nigeria, where fraudsters exploit the identities of prominent individuals to perpetrate advance-fee and other online frauds. 

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‎Chief Dr. Maurice Vunobolki, a chartered accountant and influential community leader in Adamawa, has in recent years been associated with public service initiatives and philanthropic activities in the state. 

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The ‎Police in Adamawa State have urged members of the public who may have fallen victim to similar schemes involving the name of Chief Vunobolki to come forward with information to aid ongoing investigations. 

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‎Authorities also warned against sharing personal or financial details with unsolicited contacts claiming affiliation with notable personalities.

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‎The case continues to draw attention as it highlights the persistent threat of identity fraud in an increasingly digital era. 

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‎Further details are expected when the matter resumes next month.