Olukayode Olusanya faces a new twist in his ₦152m fraud trial as the court allows police to add a new witness and adjourns the case to February 2026

Olukayode Olusanya has encountered a fresh twist in his ongoing ₦152 million property fraud trial as the Federal High Court in Lagos granted a police application to introduce a new witness and adjourned proceedings to 9 February 2026.

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Justice Musa Kakaki, presiding over the matter, gave the ruling on Tuesday after hearing an application filed by the prosecuting counsel, Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Monday Omo-Osagie.

The application, dated 23 October 2025, sought the court’s permission to file an additional witness statement to reinforce the prosecution’s case against Olukayode Olusanya and his company, Oak Homes Limited.

Granting the request, Justice Kakaki directed the prosecution to serve the amended documents on the defence within 14 days, while the defence was instructed to file its response before the next adjourned date.

Olusanya, Chief Executive Officer of Oak Homes Limited, and the firm are standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretence, fraud, and stealing. Both defendants pleaded not guilty when first arraigned on 26 November 2024.

According to court documents, Olusanya and the company’s former Head of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Lynda Umeh — currently at large — allegedly defrauded a US-based Nigerian engineer, Mr. Anthony Ugbebor, of ₦152 million.

The prosecution claims the defendants received the funds between November 2017 and August 2020 under the guise of selling two luxury apartments at Oak Residence, Victoria Island, but failed to deliver them as promised by February 2019.

At Tuesday’s hearing, CSP Omo-Osagie told the court that the case had been scheduled for continuation of trial via virtual proceedings. Defence counsel, Chief Agboola Adeleke (SAN), however, objected strongly, arguing that the application for virtual hearing had not been properly served.

“This is a criminal matter, and all parties should be physically present in court. The prosecution cannot proceed without due service,” Adeleke insisted, urging the court to reject the virtual arrangement.

In response, Omo-Osagie explained that the application was filed through the court registrar but admitted that there might have been a procedural lapse, prompting his plea for additional time to regularise the process.

Adeleke further noted that four witnesses were originally listed in the prosecution’s proof of evidence, with two already having testified.

He questioned which witness the prosecution intended to call virtually and urged the court to impose a 14-day limit on the filing to avoid unnecessary delays.

Counsel to the second defendant, Mr. Jude Ehiedu, agreed with Adeleke’s position, stressing that while he had seen the application, he had not been formally served.

After considering the submissions, Justice Kakaki adjourned the case to 9 February 2026 for continuation of trial.

Also read: Victor Azubike Awah Faces Fraud Charges in Lagos

The Olukayode Olusanya case has drawn attention in legal and property circles, as it underscores ongoing concerns about fraudulent real estate transactions in Lagos’ luxury property market.