Court acquits Obisesan of charges after five-year ordeal

The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja on Thursday acquitted Mark Obisesan and his co-defendants of all 11 count charges brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The case, which began in 2019, involved allegations of possessing forged traveller’s cheques and conspiracy to purchase forged bank notes. The defendants, including Olumide McIntouch, Bolaji Bakare, and Goodluck Bazunu, had pleaded not guilty to all charges.

In his judgment, Justice I.O. Ijelu delivered a scathing critique of the EFCC’s investigation, describing it as “haphazard and woeful.” The judge stated that the prosecution had failed to prove their case or connect the defendants to the alleged offences.

“The investigation of the prosecution leaves much to be desired,” Justice Ijelu declared, underlining the importance of thorough and competent investigative work in criminal proceedings.

Following the verdict, a visibly relieved Mr. Obisesan expressed his satisfaction with the outcome. “I am happy that justice finally prevails, even though both the EFCC and I knew I was innocent from the very beginning” he told reporters outside the courtroom.

Obisesan didn’t mince words in his criticism of the EFCC, accusing the agency of wasting state resources on a case “they knew had no merit but were driven by ego.”

He further lamented the personal toll the case had taken on him. “This case has cost me relationships and business opportunities,” Obisesan stated, adding that he was glad to finally clear his name.

He also expressed concern about the broader implications of such poorly investigated cases, suggesting they unnecessarily burden “hardworking judges” and waste valuable court time.

This ruling marks the end of a legal battle that has stretched for five years.