By JUMOKE SANNI
On October 23, 2024, Justice O.O. Abike-Fadipe of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, postponed the trial of businessman Ericbona Elio Ushie, who faces allegations of fraud amounting to N35 million, to December 19, 2024.
Ushie was brought before the court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on February 12, 2024, facing a total of 13 charges. These charges include theft, obtaining money under false pretenses, forgery, and possession of fraudulent documents, specifically related to the amount of N35,397,000 (Thirty-five Million Three Hundred and Ninety-seven Thousand Naira).
One of the charges claims that in 2023, Ushie unlawfully converted N35,397,000 belonging to Calibration and Non-destructive Services Limited for his personal gain. Another count states that he attempted to defraud the same company by falsely claiming that the money was needed to secure a contract from the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
When the charges were presented, Ushie pleaded “not guilty.” Following this, prosecution counsel Bilikisu Buhari announced that the prosecution planned to call 13 witnesses to establish their case against him.
During the court session on February 26, 2024, Buhari highlighted a viral video where Ushie was seen boasting from his home in Lekki, Lagos, asserting that he had never been arrested or imprisoned. The video, shown in court, depicted Ushie enjoying a meal while making light of his legal troubles, stating, “I wasn’t arrested,” and questioning the motives of those attempting to malign him.
In light of this video, Justice Abike-Fadipe revoked the bail previously granted to Ushie, imposing new conditions that he failed to satisfy. Consequently, the judge set a new date of June 20, 2024, for Ushie to respond to the video evidence presented by the EFCC.
At the recent hearing, Victor Okpara, SAN, representing Ushie, submitted a request to amend the bail conditions. He informed the court that Ushie had arrived from prison custody and argued passionately for a reconsideration of the bail terms.
Buhari acknowledged receipt of the defense’s application but deferred the decision to the court’s discretion. Justice Fadipe ultimately granted the defense’s request and rescheduled the trial for December 19, 2024.
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