Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, failed to appear before Chukwujekwu Aneke Justice of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Monday for his scheduled arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to a statement signed by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity at the EFCC, Otudeko was to be arraigned alongside a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Olabisi Onasanya; a former Honeywell Board member, Soji Akintayo; and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Limited.
The charges, totalling 13 counts, involve allegations of obtaining N12.3 billion by false pretences.
During the court session, Bode Olanipekun, counsel to Otudeko, informed the court that his client had not been served with the charges.
However, Olumide Fusika, representing the second defendant, disclosed that he had downloaded a copy of the charge online, while Kehinde Ogunwumiju and Adeogun Philips appeared for the third and fourth defendants, respectively.
Aneke expressed surprise that all defence counsels were present in court despite claims that their clients had not been formally served.
Responding, Olanipekun maintained that media reports on January 17, 2025, indicated the arraignment, but insisted his client had not received official notice.
Rotimi Oyedepo, the lead prosecutor explained that efforts to serve the defendants had been unsuccessful. He filed a motion for substituted service to deliver the charges to the defendant’s last known addresses. The motion was granted by the court.
Fusika, representing the second defendant, volunteered to accept the service of the charge on behalf of his client since he had already accessed a copy online. Following the court’s directive, Oyedepo handed Fusika the charge during the proceedings.
Aneke subsequently adjourned the case to February 13, 2025, for the arraignment of all defendants. The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice in the alleged N12.3 billion fraud case.
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