A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has turned down a renewed bail request made by senior lawyer Olalekan Ojo, SAN, on behalf of his client, Fred Ajudua, who is currently facing trial over a $1,043,000 fraud case.
The presiding judge, Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court, declined to entertain the fresh application during proceedings held on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
Ajudua, who was present in court, arrived in the company of medical staff from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), where he is reportedly receiving specialized care. His legal team informed the court that necessary arrangements had been made for him to attend the session under medical supervision, despite LUTH’s strict policies against releasing patients undergoing critical treatment.
Opposing the application, prosecuting counsel S.H. Atteh argued that the Supreme Court had earlier nullified Ajudua’s previous bail, insisting the current request was misdirected. According to Atteh, any new application ought to have been presented directly to the apex court and not the lower court.
In her ruling, Justice Dada affirmed her position, saying, “I am bound by the Supreme Court’s ruling. Given that applications have already been submitted before the Supreme Court, I am unable to take a position on this latest request from the defence.”
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to October 10, October 31, and November 20, 2025, for continuation of trial.
Also during the session, the EFCC called its witness, Afanda Bashir Emmanuel, an operative with the anti-graft agency, who gave testimony against the defendant. Emmanuel told the court that he was familiar with Ajudua and explained how the EFCC assumed jurisdiction over the case from the Nigeria Police Force.
Case Background
Fred Ajudua is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for allegedly swindling a Palestinian businessman, Zad Abu Zalaf, of $1,043,000 through fraudulent means. The trial, which dates back to 2005, has witnessed repeated postponements over the years, largely attributed to legal hurdles introduced by the defence.
The Supreme Court has since issued a directive for the case to proceed without further delay, with Justice Dada specifically instructed to preside over and conclude the matter.
While making his case before the court, defence counsel Olalekan Ojo, SAN, had pleaded for a short adjournment and requested to argue the fresh bail motion, stressing that his client’s health condition warranted reconsideration.
Despite this plea, Justice Dada upheld the apex court’s previous ruling and denied the renewed request for bail, insisting the proper legal channel must be followed.
For continued updates on court proceedings and major legal developments, follow Chronicles Reporters via our WhatsApp channel:
🔗 https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0J