The scheduled arraignment of the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko and three others before the Federal High Court, Lagos on Monday, was stalled following Otudeko’s absence.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count charge against Otudeko, a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Olabisi Onasanya, a former Honeywell Group board member, Soji Akintayo and Anchorage Leisure Limited, accusing them of obtaining N12.3 billion through false pretense.
The charges relate to alleged fraudulent financial activities involving Anchorage Leisure Limited. The EFCC claims the defendants obtained funds under false pretenses, amounting to a significant breach of trust.
At the hearing before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, Otudeko’s counsel, Bode Olanipekun (SAN), informed the court that his client had not been served with the charges.
However, Olumide Fusika (SAN), who appeared for the second defendant, stated he had accessed the charge online and was in possession of a copy.
Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) and Adeogun Philips (SAN), represented the third and fourth defendants, respectively.
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Justice Aneke questioned why all the defense counsels were present if their clients have not been formally served.
Responding, Olanipekun cited media reports of January 17, 2025, which announced the scheduled arraignment of the defendants, but maintained that his client had not received an official notice.
Lead prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), countered Olanipekun, informing the court that efforts to serve the defendants have been unsuccessful. He moved a motion for substituted service at the defendants’ last known addresses, which the court granted.
Fusika, representing the second defendant, volunteered to accept service for his client, noting that he had already obtained a copy of the charge. The court directed the prosecution to serve Fusika, and Oyedepo complied by handing over the documents in court.
Justice Aneke adjourned the case to February 13, 2025, for the arraignment of all defendants.
