The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has adjourned ruling on an application filed by Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, challenging its jurisdiction in the N12.3 billion fraud case filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Otudeko, along with a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Olabisi Onasanya; a former Honeywell board member, Soji Akintayo; and Anchorage Leisure Limited, face a 13-count charge involving alleged fraudulent financial transactions.
However, the defendants have filed preliminary objections questioning the court’s authority to try them.
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At Thursday’s proceedings, EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, confirmed that the prosecution had complied with the court’s directive to serve the defence with the charges and proof of evidence.
However, Otudeko’s counsel, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, informed the court of a fresh application challenging jurisdiction, filed on January 29, 2025.
Similar applications were submitted by the third and fourth defendants, represented by Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, and A. Adedeji, SAN, respectively.
Oyedepo opposed the defence’s request to hear the jurisdictional applications before the arraignment, arguing that under Section 396(2) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, such objections can only be raised after a plea is taken.
He also emphasized the absence of Otudeko, who is reportedly receiving medical treatment in the UK, questioning the fairness of proceeding without his presence.
“The law is clear, jurisdictional objections should come after arraignment. We cannot allow a situation where a defendant stays abroad, while legal proceedings continue in his absence,” Oyedepo stated.
Despite counter-arguments from the defence, urging the court to proceed with the applications, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke set March 17, 2025, for a ruling on the jurisdictional challenge.
