$1.69m fraud: Court denies Ajudua bail

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja yesterday rejected the bail application filed before it by a Lagos lawyer and a socialite, Fred Ajudua, asking the court to grant him bail over his poor health condition.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ajudua and one Charles Orie for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmenMessrs Remy Cina and Pierre Vijge of $1.69 million.

Ajudua’s counsel,

Chief Charles Edosomwan, had filed a bail application before the court on the ground that his client is suffering from a life-threatening illness.

But ruling on the bail application, Justice Kudirat Jose said Ajudua’s antecedents especially his jumping of bail in 2006 and tampering with evidence were responsible for the denial of his bail application.

The judge added that Ajudua’s health could be attended to in prison.

“Giving these circumstances, the medical needs of the applicant can be met while still in detention. In his counter affidavit, the applicant did not respond to the claims that he had tampered with evidence. His lack of response means an admission of guilt,” Justice Jose added.

Justice thereafter fixed April 28th and 29th for continuation of trial.

Ajudua is being tried in separate courts for two different cases. In one of the cases, he is being tried for allegedly defrauding a Dutch businessman of $1.69 million (N270 million). He is also being tried for defrauding Nigeria’s exArmy chief, Ishaya Bamaiyi, of $6 million (N960 million).