The Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has refused an application by Lagos State Attorney General, Lawal Pedro, to completely halt the trial of Olalekan Abdul and another defendant, who are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged N1.35 billion fraud.
Justice Mojisola Dada dismissed the 20 counts filed by the state but ordered the continuation of the trial on five related counts filed by the EFCC.
During the proceedings, a dispute arose, with the judge accusing the defense counsel of disrespect, while the lawyer denied the allegation. The trial has been adjourned to October 31, 2024.
The Attorney General’s request for discontinuance followed a failed attempt to take over the prosecution. The court had previously ruled that the defendants had a case to answer and that the EFCC could continue its prosecution.
The EFCC initially filed a 26-count charge of conspiracy, forgery, and theft in December 2019. The defendants, including a former Managing Director of Cleanserve, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.
The court’s ruling came during a session to address the Attorney General’s notice of discontinuance, which cited Section 211 of the Constitution.
- Franklin Oforma for the prosecution
- Jonathan Ogunsanya for Lagos State AG
- Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika, SAN, for the 1st defendant
- A. Abdulrasaq for the 2nd defendant
The second defendant’s counsel reported that Dr. Muiz Banire, the learned Silk, was ill and en route. Justice Dada’s ruling discharged the defendants from the 20 counts filed under Lagos State laws.