Alleged N1.35b fraud: Court to hear applications Jan 30

The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has adjourned till January 30, 2025, to hear two applications in a N1.35 billion charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a defendant, Mr. Olalekan Abdul.

The applications were filed by the nominal complainant, through its counsel, Chukwuma Machukwu Ume (SAN).

Ume informed the trial judge, Mojisola Dada that both applications were dated November 17, 2024, and filed on November 24, 2024.

The first one listed the Lagos AG as a respondent, while the other – apart from the parties before the court – listed the EFCC as a respondent.

The SAN added that the applications were “fundamental” to the matter before the court as they related to the Nolle Prosequi (discontinuance of trial) entered by the AG, which resulted in the removal of 20 counts charges and the amendment of the information filed by the prosecutor.

“The above application is praying the court to set aside the order,” Ume added.

He informed the court that his second motion was focused on the amendment of the information filed on October 24, 2024 wherein the EFCC left out the second defendant Azubuike Ishiekwene, a former newspaper editor.

“The application is that the order and the amendment be set aside. The said applications have been served on all parties,” Ume said, praying the court to take the application due to its “fundamental nature.”

Assistant Chief State Counsel, Federal Ministry of Justice (Office of the AGF), Tolu Mokuolu informed the court that the office of the AGF had the right to intervene in the matter.

As such, he would be seeking an adjournment to get the file from the EFCC as there were petitions in the office of the AGF, and they would love to examine the file to see if they would take over or not.

Dr. Muiz Banire (SAN), who represented all respondents said he was not opposed to the application for an adjournment

During the proceedings, Mr. Peter Umah informed the court that he was watching briefs on behalf of the nominal complainant.

Consequently, the court adjourned till January 30, 2025, for a hearing and report.

The EFCC filed the charge in December 2019, with Mr Ishiekwene and Abdul as co-defendants in a 26-count conspiracy, forgery, and stealing charge. They were arraigned on January 29, 2020.

It was alleged that they conspired with one Adeyinka Adewole and Morakinyo Bolanle, at large, to obtain N350 million, and N1 billion from Wema Bank under false pretences.

Ishiekwene, and Abdul, former managing director of Cleanserve, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

After an unsuccessful attempt to take over the prosecution from the EFCC, the Lagos AG filed for discontinuance of the case by entering a Nolle Prosequi, following which Ishiekwene was discharged.

Abdul is now the sole defendant in the amended charge.