By Bilesanmi Abayomi
Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Lagos Federal High Court has scheduled June 24 for the arraignment of the Olu of Agboyi, Monsuru Abimbola Oladega, and six others on charges of alleged fraud totaling N29.3 million. The arraignment, initially set for Tuesday, was postponed due to the absence of the defendants, with their lawyer citing various reasons including medical travel abroad and residency outside the community.
The defendants, including Abdulfatai Akinwale Bankole, Abubakar Seriki, Razak Alayaki Seriki, Jemilatu Busari, Amoda Ibrahim, and Adams Adebiyi, face a four-count charge filed against them by the Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU), Ikoyi, Lagos. The charges allege conspiracy and fraudulent acquisition of funds and vehicles between 2014 and 2022.
According to the prosecution, the defendants purportedly obtained the sum of N29.3 million, along with vehicles, from individuals and an estate under false pretenses of land allocation. The charges, under sections of the Advance Fee Fraud and other related Offences Act, also accuse the defendants of money laundering.
Before Tuesday’s proceedings, the police had faced difficulties reaching the defendants for charge service, leading Justice Aluko to order the charges be served to their lawyer, Abayomi Fagbayi, on March 18, 2024. The order allowed for substituted service through legal representation.
In granting the motion Exparte, Justice Aluko emphasized the importance of ensuring all parties were duly served and directed the defendants’ legal representative to report compliance to the court at the next adjourned date.