The criminal case of Federal Republic of Nigeria v Oba Otudeko will resume on 17th March 2025.
The EFCC filed a 13-count charge against Otudeko, former First Bank Plc Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya, former Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and the company Anchorage Leisure Ltd. The case is marked FHC/L/20C/2025.
The defendants were accused of allegedly obtaining N12.3 billion from First Bank under false pretenses.
When the case was called on February 12th 2025, Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) appeared for the prosecution.
Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) appeared for the first defendant, while Mr. Olasupo Shashore (SAN) appeared for the second defendant.
Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) represented the third defendant, and Mr. Ade Adedeji (SAN) appeared for the fourth defendant.Mr. Babajide Koku (SAN) appeared as a watching brief for the nominal complainant, (First Bank of Nigeria).
Addressing the court, Chief Olanipekun informed the court that Otudeko had filed an application dated January 28, 2025, explaining his absence.
The application included an affidavit detailing Otudeko’s absence from court.
It stated that the Honeywell Group Chairman left Nigeria on January 16, 2025, for medical treatment in the United Kingdom, arriving at Heathrow Airport the same day.
Olanipekun maintained that Otudeko left the country legally and did not abscond to avoid trial, adding that Otudeko traveled overseas several days before the charge was filed.
In response, the EFCC prosecutor informed the court that he had complied with the court’s directive, issuing substituted service of the charge to the first, third, and fourth defendants and attaching proof of service.
However, he noted that he had received processes from the first defense counsel confirming that the first defendant was not within the jurisdiction.
Olanipekun responded that the first defendant was under medical review and had been advised to remain in the UK until a comprehensive evaluation had been conducted.
He requested that the court adjourn the case for the hearing of the defense applications instead of issuing a summons for the defendant to appear.
After hearing arguments from all parties, Justice Aneke adjourned the case until March 17 for a ruling.
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