EFCC Re-Arraigns 73-Year-Old Blind Man For ₦19m Fraud
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned a 73-year-old blind man, Murtala Adebayo, before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Special Offences Court over an alleged ₦19 million fraud.
Adebayo was first arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada on 24 January 2024 on a three-count charge. He pleaded not guilty, leading to the court granting him bail.
However, the nominal complainant later alleged that the defendant used fake Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and tax documents to secure the bail.
Following this claim, the EFCC re-arraigned him before Justice Oshodi on 28 January 2025, where he again pleaded not guilty.
His counsel, Bamidele Ogundele, urged the court to allow him to continue with the previous bail conditions.
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“I urge the court to consider the record of the honourable court, since this matter was before Justice Mojisola Dada, the defendant has been coming to court fulfilling the bail conditions granted by the court.
“Also the surety that stood for him filed an affidavit of continuity of suretyship dated January 23, 2025 indicating her intention to continue to stand as surety.”
Prosecuting counsel, Sa’adatu Yabo, did not oppose the request.
He left the matter at the court’s discretion.
However, counsel to the nominal complainant, Martins Oyigbo, alleged that the CAC certificate used to secure Adebayo’s bail was fake.
He told the court, “the Corporate Affairs Commission certificate of the company used to secure the bail for the defendant was fake.
“This is known to them because the nominal complainant applied to the CAC using the name of the same company and CAC approved the registration.”
Justice Oshodi requested the bail bond from the defence counsel.
“If you want me to use the previous bail conditions, I must have the bail bond. I need to look at the bail bond so I can use it and it will be part of my record.”
In response, Ogundele provided the bail bond and stated, “My Lord, the bail conditions was granted in the sum of ₦5 million, with a surety and a lien ₦5 million placed on the personal account of the surety.”
In his ruling, Justice Oshodi upheld the existing bail conditions granted by Justice Dada on 12 February 2024.
The court adjourned the matter till 7 March 2025 for trial.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
