Otobor Onajefe fraud arraignment as EFCC charges defendant over alleged N37.4m theft; Ikeja court orders remand pending bail hearing

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday arraigned Otobor Onajefe before the Ikeja Special Offences Court over an alleged N37.4 million fraud.

Also read: Lawmakers Praise EFCC, NFIU for Strengthening Nigeria’s Financial Credibility

Otobor Onajefe was arraigned on a two count charge of conspiracy and stealing, contrary to Sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

According to one of the counts, Otobor Onajefe and one Philip Onobrakpe, who is still at large, allegedly conspired in 2023 in Lagos to defraud Mr Omotayo Oyebanji and Mr Ernest Adeii of the sum.

The second count stated that Otobor Onajefe, with others still at large, allegedly converted the money to personal use.

Otobor Onajefe pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Counsel to the EFCC, Mr Temitope Banjo, asked the court for a trial date and urged that Otobor Onajefe be remanded in a correctional facility.

Mr Temitope Banjo opposed the bail application, noting that although the charge had been filed earlier, the bail application was only served on the prosecution on the morning of the arraignment.

Mr Temitope Banjo informed the court that the prosecution intended to file a reply on points of law and added that Otobor Onajefe had previously been difficult to locate for arraignment.

In response, defence counsel, Mr Samuel Danni, told the court that a bail application dated 6 February had been filed and served on the prosecution the same morning.

Mr Samuel Danni sought permission to move the application and requested a short adjournment at the convenience of the court.

Also read: EFCC Uncovers N212bn Assets Linked to Malami

Justice Mojisola Dada adjourned the matter until 26 February for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Otobor Onajefe be remanded in a correctional centre pending further proceedings.