Alleged $8.4m Fraud: Lawyer's absence stalls re-arraignment of Ajudua

FRANCIS IWUCHUKWU

The much expected re-arraignment of Lagos based socialite and businessman, Mr Fred Ajudua before Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of a Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja, could not go on as slated yesterday consequent upon the absence of his lawyer, Mr Olalekan Ojo.

It would be recalled that Ajudua is facing charges initiated against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged collection of $8.4 million said to be owned by the former Chief of Army Staff, Leutenant General Ishaya Bamaiyi while the duo were being held at the Kirikiri Prison in Lagos between November 2004 and June 2005.

According to the anti-graft agency, Ajudua alongside others now at large allegedly defrauded the former army chief through what it termed
false claims that the said sum represented the professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle Bamaiyi’s case and to facilitate his release from prison.

The defendant who had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge earlier in an application insisted that Bamaiyi be put on trial for admitting that he offered bribe. But the court dismissed the application.

At Monday's sittting on the matter, Ajudua informed the court that he had issues with his lawyer which according to him is yet to be resolved. However, inspite of the defendant's position, the anti-graft agency intimated the court that the earlier charge made against Ajudua has been amended.

Despite the development, EFCC counsel informed the court that the initial charged against Ajudua has been amended. But the charge was not read on the reason that the defendant was not represented by any lawyer.

Justice Ipaye adjourned the matter till July 4 for re-arraignment on the amended charge.