The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, has rejected the request by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to issue an arrest warrant against Dr. Oba Otudeko, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, and other individuals involved in a high-profile case.

The decision was based on the failure to properly serve the defendants with charges.

The court did, however, grant an application for substituted service, allowing the EFCC to use alternative means to notify the accused.

The case has been adjourned to February 13th for further proceedings.

During the court session, Bode Olanipekun, representing Dr. Otudeko, sought an order to prevent the misuse of media in relation to the case, highlighting the negative impact of sensationalized reporting.

The judge took this opportunity to caution all parties involved to refrain from publicizing the matter irresponsibly, urging journalists to ensure accurate coverage of court activities.

The case has sparked controversy, with many criticizing the EFCC for violating procedural norms by publicly announcing charges without formally notifying the accused.

Legal experts have pointed out that this move undermines the presumption of innocence guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and goes against established rules governing criminal proceedings.

A legal professional, speaking anonymously, remarked: “The EFCC’s actions contravene Section 36(5) of the Constitution, which ensures that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Moreover, they’ve disregarded the Federal High Court’s procedural rules, which mandate that charges must be served before being made public.”

The incident has been described as an example of “trial by media,” raising concerns about the fairness of the case and the potential for public prejudice against the accused.

Some observers have noted that the revival of this 12-year-old investigation coincides with ongoing disputes over governance and control of FBN Holdings, fueling speculation that the EFCC’s actions could be politically motivated, aimed at influencing the outcome of the corporate battle.

Critics argue that the move might also damage the reputations of those involved, especially Dr. Otudeko, who served as a non-executive director at First Bank before stepping down four years ago.

Dr. Otudeko has vehemently denied the allegations made against him by the EFCC, emphasizing that he is confident the truth will eventually come to light.

He stated that he looks forward to clearing his name in the appropriate legal forum. Dr. Onasanya, who also faces charges, similarly defended his record, stating that his decades-long career built on integrity would not be overshadowed by false claims.

The case has now been rescheduled for February 13th, as both the legal and public scrutiny continues to unfold.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled January 30 for the hearing of a lawsuit filed by Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, challenging the petrol import licenses of several oil marketing companies.

The court adjourned the case on Monday to allow for the proper service of court documents on the relevant parties.

At the hearing, George Ibrahim, the plaintiff’s counsel, informed the court that the session was intended to either report on the status of settlement talks or the progress of service.

He explained that the service of processes had not been completed, and that reconciliation efforts had not yet been addressed due to a motion filed to amend the plaintiff’s originating summons after identifying an error in the initial application.

Respondents’ legal representatives, including Matthew Bukar (NMDPRA), Ahmed Raji (representing AYM Shafa, A.A. Rano Limited, and Matrix Limited), and Divine Oguru (representing T. Time Petroleum and 2015 Petroleum Limited), also stated they had not received the necessary documents.

The lawsuit, identified as FHC/ABJ/CS/1324/2024, was filed by Dangote Petroleum against the NMDPRA, NNPCL, A.Y.M. Shafa Holdings Limited, A.A. Rano Limited, T. Time Petroleum Limited, 2015 Petroleum Limited, and Matrix Petroleum Services Limited.

In addition to seeking to invalidate the defendants’ petrol import licenses, Dangote Petroleum is requesting N100 billion in damages.

One of the key reliefs sought in the suit is a declaration that Dangote Petroleum, as a Free-Zone Enterprise, is exempt from federal, state, and local government taxes, levies, and other rates based on various provisions of the Nigerian Export Processing Zone Act (NEPZA), Companies Income Tax Act (CIT Act), and the Finance Act.

The case has been adjourned until January 30 for further proceedings.

The death toll from the tanker explosion in Dikko, Gurara Local Government Area of Niger State, has risen to 100, following a fuel-laden tanker crash on Saturday.

The incident occurred when the tanker overturned, spilling its contents, leading to a deadly explosion.

Abdullahi Baba-Arah, Director-General of the Niger State Emergency Management Agency, provided the update in a statement issued on Monday.

According to Baba-Arah, 69 people sustained injuries, and more than 20 shops were destroyed in the explosion.

In response to the tragedy, President Bola Tinubu has formed a high-level committee to investigate the increasing number of tanker explosions on the country’s highways.

Additionally, the Niger State government has urged the federal government to accelerate the Minna-Suleja road project, which has been linked to the frequent accidents in the region.

A Forex trader, Henry Gabriel, appeared before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Zuba on Monday, facing charges of misappropriating $10,000 belonging to Navy Capt. A. Madaki.

Gabriel and his company, HDFX Limited, are charged with criminal conspiracy and breach of trust.

Prosecution counsel, Mr. Abubakar Aminu, accused Gabriel of using the funds for personal purposes in 2022 after Madaki entrusted the money to him for a one-year forex investment cycle.

The prosecution also revealed that Gabriel’s company was operating without proper authorization or a license.

The charges contravene sections 97 and 312 of the Penal Code, and Gabriel pleaded not guilty to the allegations.

In response, defense counsel E.J. Ayinmode filed a bail application based on sections 165 and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) and section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, requesting that Gabriel be granted bail pending the trial.

Ayinmode highlighted that Gabriel was already on administrative bail and had complied with all requirements.

The prosecution did not oppose the bail application, and Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya granted bail to Gabriel, stipulating two sureties.

One surety must provide proof of property ownership within the FCT, while the other must present $10,000 or its equivalent.

The case was adjourned until March 18 for hearing.

A 35-year-old man, Ikechukwu Nkwuda, was remanded in custody on Monday by an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court following allegations of stealing goods valued at N6 million.

According to the prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Osanyintuyi, the alleged theft took place between June 2023 and November 2024 at a store located on No 1. Aderemi Road, Lagere, Ile-Ife.

Osanyintuyi stated that Nkwuda entered the shop of Okoro Frank with the intention of committing a crime and subsequently stole items, including power banks, chargers, MP3 Bluetooth devices, and JBI players, all worth a total of N6 million.

The prosecutor said the offense violated sections 383(3), 390(9), and 413 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

Nkwuda, who appeared in court without legal representation, pleaded not guilty to the two charges of entering the premises and theft.

Magistrate Abosede Sarumi instructed the defendant’s counsel to file a formal bail application and ordered that Nkwuda be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Ile-Ife.

The case was adjourned until February 12 for further proceedings.