EFCC Requests Court to Compel Oba Otudeko's Presence at Next Hearing in Fraud Case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on a Federal High Court in Lagos to order the physical appearance of Oba Otudeko, the former chairman of First Bank Nigeria (FBN), at the next hearing of his fraud case.

EFCC counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo SAN, made the request on Thursday as the court set a date for March 17, 2025, to rule on several applications questioning the court's jurisdiction in the 13-count charge filed against Otudeko and three others for alleged fraudulent activities.

The case stems from accusations that the defendants obtained N12.3 billion from First Bank under false pretenses.

The other defendants include former First Bank Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya, former Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and the company Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
The case is marked FHC/L/20C/2025.

The hearing proceeded after arguments from the prosecution and defense counsel. Otudeko's lawyer, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, explained that Otudeko had filed an application regarding his absence from court.

Otudeko had traveled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment on January 16, 2025, before the charges were filed. Olanipekun confirmed that Otudeko was unaware of the charges at the time of his departure.

The defense team raised several motions challenging the court's jurisdiction, while the EFCC prosecutor, Oyedepo, affirmed that the prosecution had complied with the court’s directives, issuing substituted service to the first, third, and fourth defendants.

However, Oyedepo noted that the first defendant was not within the jurisdiction.

The defense argued that jurisdiction issues should be resolved before proceeding with the arraignment.

They also requested that the court hear the objections first, particularly given that the charges could potentially be dismissed.

After hearing from all parties, Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke adjourned the case to March 17, 2025, for a ruling on the jurisdictional matters.