Alakijas arraigned in Lagos court over alleged property fraud

TEconomic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC), yesterday, arraigned the two Alakijas ( Alaba Alakija and Oyinkansola Alakija) before a Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos over allegations of property fraud. Alaba and Oyinkansola were arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada on amended two- count charge bordering on conspiracy and use of false documents titled: “Vesting Deed by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija”, the executors of the estate of late Sir Ademola Alakija, purporting it to be made by Dr. Omodele Alakija.

The EFCC alleged that the two defendants on or about August 6, 2015, at Lagos State, with intent to financially benefit from the property located at No. 10 Keffi Street South- West, Ikoyi, Lagos conspired among themselves to use the false document to deceive.

The anti- graft agency said their offences contravened the provision of Section 409 and 364 of the Criminal Law of the Lagos State, 2011.

However, they pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to them.

Following their not guilty plea, the prosecuting counsel, M. S. Owede asked the court for a trial date and that the defendants be remanded at a Correctional facility pending the determination of the charge.

But the first defendant’s counsel, Mr. M. O. Akangbe ( SAN), informed the court of his client’s bail application, which he had filed and served on the prosecution.

He prayed the court to allow him to move the application.

He also urged the court to grant the bail in most liberal terms.

Second defendant’s counsel, Mr. Victor Giwa, prayed the court to allow his oral bail application, saying that he was informed about the matter late and that he was from outside the jurisdiction. He said that the second defendant is a lawyer and breastfeeding a two- month old baby, adding that she will not jump bail.

But the defendant’s husband who was in court countered her lawyer by saying that their baby is just nine- months old. After listening to both parties, Justice Dada granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N10 million with substantial sureties in like sum, who must submit his international passport to the court.

The judge, however, released the second defendant to her husband, but ordered that her International passport must be submitted to the court pending when the judgment is delivered in the matter. Both defendants were released to their lawyers pending when their bails are perfected.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to May 28, for trial.