The trial of Titilayo Funmilayo Eboh over an alleged N247.5 million fraud before Justice Ramon Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, was stalled on Friday following her absence in court.

Eboh is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alongside UchennaEjindu and Salami Eneojo Stephen on an amended four-count charge bordering on obtaining by false pretence, conspiracy, money laundering, and stealing.

The anti-graft agency had arraigned the defendants on January 30, 2026, over allegations that they conspired to defraud one Jude NyemikeAtoh of N247.5 million under the guise of providing the dollar equivalent, a claim they allegedly knew to be false.

According to the charge, the defendants also allegedly concealed $160,300 belonging to the complainant in a bid to disguise the illicit origin of the funds.

At the resumed proceedings, Mike Umonnan, who represented lead defence counsel, UmohUmoh (SAN), informed the court that Eboh was hospitalised.

“My Lord, the lead counsel communicated last night that the defendant is ill and currently in hospital.”

There was no arrangement for the Correctional Centre to bring her to court,” he said, adding that the defendant would be present at the next adjourned date.

He admitted that he could not provide the name of the hospital where she was receiving treatment.

Counsel to the second defendant, Y.O. Galadima, also raised concerns about security, noting that his client travels by road from Abuja to Lagos, which he described as unsafe.

In response, prosecution counsel, Mr. Banjo Banjo and FolasadeGiwa opposed the request for adjournment; stressing that two witnesses had travelled from Abuja and Benin to attend the trial.

They further argued that no medical report was presented to substantiate the claim that the defendant was hospitalised.

“They should mention the name of the hospital so we can verify the claim. There is nothing before the court to support it,” the prosecution submitted.

In a bench ruling, Justice Oshodi held that the Nigerian Correctional Service has a duty to produce inmates in court and described the defence’s explanation as unsatisfactory.

The judge subsequently directed the correctional authorities to ensure the defendant’s presence at the next hearing or provide valid reasons for her absence.