The scheduled arraignment of Oba Otudeko, chairman of Honeywell Group, and others over an alleged N12.3 billion fraud before the Federal High Court in Lagos was stalled on Monday due to the defendants’ absence.
At the hearing, defence counsel for the defendants objected to the proceedings, claiming their clients had not been formally served with the charges.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) filed a 13-count charge against Mr Otudeko, former First Bank managing director Olabisi Onasanya, ex-Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
According to the EFCC, the defendants allegedly obtained N12.3 billion under false pretences from First Bank in tranches between 2013 and 2014.
When the case was called, Otudeko’s counsel Bode Olanipekun (SAN) said he was appearing in protest because his client had not been served with the charge.
Adeyinka Olumide-Fusika (SAN), representing Mr Onasanya, informed the court he had independently obtained a copy of the charge but added that no formal service had been made.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke questioned the defence counsels’ presence in court if the defendants had not been served. Mr Olanipekun responded by pointing to widespread media reports on January 17, 2025, announcing the arraignment. He presented copies of these reports to the court, describing the situation as “unfair.”
EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) argued that several attempts to serve the defendants at their last known addresses had been unsuccessful. The addresses included No. 6b Mekuwen Street, Ikoyi for Otudeko and No. 21 Ribadu Road, Ikoyi for Onasanya.
The court granted a motion filed by the EFCC for substituted service at the specified addresses.
Mr Olumide-Fusika offered to accept service on behalf of his client, with the EFCC prosecutor handing him the charge in court after the court’s directive.
Justice Aneke adjourned the case until February 13, 2025, for arraignment.
