Court strikes out N12.3bn fraud charge against Oba Otudeko

Court strikes out N12.3bn fraud charge against Oba Otudeko

By Jeffrey Agbo

A Federal High Court Lagos has dismissed a charge preferred by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against Chairman of the Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko, and others.

Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke made the ruling on Wednesday after the EFCC said all parties had reached settlement out of court.

The EFCC preferred a 13-count charge of fraud amounting to N12.3 billion against Oba Otudeko and a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Olabisi Onasanya.

Also charged were a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.

At the last adjourned date of March 17, first defence counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), informed the court that a meeting involving all counsels was convened at the instance of the Attorney General (AG) for settlement.

When the case was called on Wednesday, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) announced appearance for the prosecution together with Mrs Bilikisu Buhari and S.I Suleiman.

Mr Bode Olanipekun (SAN) appeared for the first defendant, Mr A Olumide-Fusika (SAN) appeared for the second defendant, and Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) appeared for the third defendant.

Meanwhile, Mr Elijah Akefe appeared for the fourth defendant while Mr B.O Ofulue, appeared for the nominal complainant (First Bank).

Counsel to the first defendant (Olanipekun), then informed the court that all outstanding issues between the first defendant and the nominal complainant (first bank), had been resolved.

He told the court that same had been duly communicated to the appropriate authorities, including the prosecution.

Counsel to the nominal complainant (Ofulue) confirmed the position to the court.

In response, the prosecutor confirmed the position to the court that there had been settlement of the issues, and gave a detailed recall of all incidences, including the meetings held as well as resolutions.

Citing the provisions of section 180 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, he averred that in the interest of justice, public policy and the need to prevent abuse of court process, the AG decided that the matter be discontinued.

Counsel to all defendants confirmed the position as stated by prosecution.

Justice Aneke, consequently held: “This charge is hereby struck out”.

Meanwhile, in a statement by its Counsel, Olasumbo Abolaji, Honeywell welcomed the development, calling it a reaffirmation of Otudeko’s integrity.

“Honeywell Group confirms that the legal proceedings initiated by the EFCC against our Chairman, Oba Otudeko, in connection with matters relating to First Holdco Plc, have been formally withdrawn.

“This development marks the closure of a chapter that, while challenging, never diminished our confidence in Otudeko’s integrity or our belief in the principles that have guided his life and leadership.

“At no point was there any finding or admission of wrongdoing, and this conclusion further affirms what we have always maintained, that this was a commercial transaction, investigated by the EFCC and resolved eight years ago.

“Otudeko’s service, enterprise, and nation-building record stand firm and unblemished.

“For over six decades, he has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic and institutional development, including distinguished tenures across banking, industry, and public service,” the statement said.