Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja on Wednesday refused a fresh bail application filed by defence counsel Olalekan Ojo, SAN, for his client, Fred Ajudua.
Ajudua is standing trial over an alleged $1,043,000 fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
During the proceedings on July 30, 2025, Ajudua was present in court, accompanied by medical personnel from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
His counsel informed the court that arrangements had been made for Ajudua to attend court with medical personnel, despite the hospital’s policy against releasing patients on special treatment.
The prosecution counsel, S.H. Atteh, objected to the bail application, citing a Supreme Court judgment that revoked Ajudua’s bail.
Atteh urged the court to refuse the application, arguing that Ajudua should have directed his application to the Supreme Court.
“I will abide by the decisions of the Supreme Court,” Justice Dada said in her ruling. “In view of the applications filed at the Supreme Court, I am constrained to take any decision in respect of this instant application filed by the defence counsel.”
The court adjourned the trial to October 10, 31, and November 20, 2025, for continuation.
During the proceedings, a witness, Afanda Bashir Emmanuel, an operative of the EFCC, testified against Ajudua.
The witness confirmed that he knew the defendant and narrated how the EFCC took over the case from the Nigeria Police Force.
Background
Ajudua is accused of defrauding a Palestinian national, Zad Abu Zalaf, of $1,043,000 under false pretences. The case has been ongoing since 2005, with several delays due to legal technicalities employed by the defendant.
The Supreme Court has since resolved the matter in favour of the prosecution, ordering Justice Dada to continue the trial.
“We have demonstrated to do the needful to make this trial proceed,” Olalekan Ojo, SAN, said during the proceedings. “Prayer for short adjournment… Apply to move his fresh bail application.”
However, the court refused the bail application, citing the Supreme Court’s judgment.
