Femi Ashekun/
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a 13-count charge against prominent businessman Oba Otudeko, former First Bank Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya, ex-Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited over an alleged N12.3 billion fraud.
The charges, marked FHC/L/20C/2025 and presented before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court, Lagos, centre on allegations of conspiracy, fraud, and money laundering. The EFCC accuses the defendants of obtaining loans under false pretenses from First Bank Plc between 2013 and 2014 and using forged documents to mislead the financial institution.
Drama unfolded during the proceedings as the defense lawyers protested that their clients had not been served with the charges.
Otudeko’s counsel, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), described his appearance as “in protest,” alleging his client only learned of the arraignment through media reports on January 17.
Mr. Olumide Fusika (SAN), representing Onasanya, echoed the same concern but confirmed he had independently accessed the charge sheet.
Similarly, Mr. Charles Adeogun-Philips (SAN), representing Anchorage Leisure Limited, argued that proper legal service was yet to occur.
Justice Aneke questioned how all defendants could be represented if they had not been served, prompting Olanipekun to present newspaper clippings to support his claim.
In response, EFCC prosecutor Mr. Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) explained that repeated attempts to serve the defendants at their last known addresses had been unsuccessful. He requested permission for substituted service, which the court granted.
Fusika later accepted service on behalf of his client, Onasanya, during the proceedings, as the court adjourned the case to February 13 for arraignment.
According to the EFCC, the defendants orchestrated fraudulent transactions involving forged documents and diverted funds from First Bank. The commission claims the fraudulent activities were executed under the guise of credit facilities for companies such as V-Tech Dynamic Links Limited and Stallion Nigeria Limited.
The alleged actions contravene multiple Nigerian laws, including the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offences Act 2006, the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011, and the Miscellaneous Offences Act.
The next hearing on February 13 is expected to determine whether the defendants will formally enter pleas.
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