Trial of Lagos businesswoman over alleged N643.8m rice fraud continues November 3, risks revocation of bail
By Onyewuchi Ojinnaka
Justice Ibrahim Kala of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Monday, adjourned until November 3, for continuation of trial of a Lagos businesswoman, Clara Anthony, standing trial over alleged N643.8 million fraud.
Clara Anthony is standing trial alongside a company, Flourish Claire Concept, on a 17-count charge bordering on conspiracy, obtaining money by fraud, dishonest conversion and stealing brought against her by the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID) on November 25, 2024. She had pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The court had granted her bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties in like sum.
On March 12, the prosecution called its first prosecution witness, who began testimony and the matter was subsequently, adjourned until July 2.
On July 2, the case could not proceed following absence of the defendant and the case was then adjourned until October 6 (today) for continuation of trial.
When the case called on Monday, the prosecutor, Mr Samuel Ogala, informed the court that the defendant was again absent from court, adding that her counsel was not also in court.
Consequently, he urged the court to revoke the bail of the defendant, and issue a bench warrant for her arrest.
In a short ruling, Justice Kala, consequently, revoked the bail of the defendant and issued a bench warrant for her arrest by the police, and adjourned the case till November 3.
Meanwhile, as parties were about leaving the court, the defendant suddenly showed up in court, and informed the court that she was unable to reach her lawyer as he had not been taking her calls.
She apologised to the court and informed the court that there may be need for her to get a new counsel for her representation.
In response, the prosecutor urged the court to take cognisance of four witnesses for the prosecution, who were present in court, adding that the defendant cannot delay the trial.
Justice Kala, accordingly, ordered the defendant to be present with her counsel on the next adjourned date unfailingly.
The court consequently vacated the earlier bench warrant for arrest of the defendant, but cautioned her to ensure that she is available with her counsel on the next adjourned date, or risk a revocation of her bail.
The case was then adjourned till November 3 for trial.
According to the charge, the defendant was said to have committed the offence sometime in August 2023, at Oregun in Lagos.
She was alleged to have fraudulently obtained several sums of money from Lagos traders, under a false pretence of investing the money in rice business.
According to the prosecution, the defendant obtained several millions in tranches from various traders, using the name of her company (second defendant).
She was alleged to have obtained the sums of N56 million, N36 million, N58.05 million, N20.5 million N3.2 million, N410 million, N6.1 million and N54 million from different traders under the guise of investing the money in rice business.
The representation was said to be false as the defendant dishonestly converted the monies to her use.
The offences contravene the provisions of Section 1(1)(a-c), and Section 8(a, b, and c) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offence Act, 2006.
It also contravenes the provisions of Section 390 of the Criminal Code Act 2004.
