Attorney General Overrules EFCC, Prevents Oba Otudeko's Arraignment

Strategic Insights -

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), intervened in a high-profile alleged N12.3 billion fraud case involving the Chairman of Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had sought to compel Otudeko's appearance for arraignment, but the AGF overruled them, citing ongoing negotiations to potentially resolve the matter. A meeting was convened involving the EFCC, during which they cited a case involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as a reason for Otudeko's plea before settlement discussions could begin. However, the AGF informed the court that his office had assumed control of the case and that negotiations were underway. This led to the judge adjourning the proceedings until June 11, 2025, to allow the parties time to either reach a settlement or proceed with the arraignment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), intervened in the alleged N12.3 billion fraud case involving Oba Otudeko, preventing the EFCC from compelling his appearance for arraignment.
  • A meeting was convened involving the EFCC to discuss the crisis in handling the case, during which they cited a case involving former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello as a reason for Otudeko's plea before settlement discussions could begin.
  • The AGF informed the court that his office had assumed control of the case and that negotiations were underway to potentially resolve the matter.
  • The case was adjourned until June 11, 2025, to allow the parties time to either reach a settlement or proceed with the arraignment.
  • The case involves a 13-count charge bordering on fraud and obtaining money by false pretence, with Oba Otudeko being tried alongside former First Bank Managing Director, Olabisi Onasanya, and others.
  • Defence counsel Bode Olanipekun (SAN) updated the court that negotiations were ongoing during a previous court session.
  • The AGF's intervention has sparked controversy, with the EFCC seeking to compel Otudeko's appearance for arraignment.

Statistics:

  • The alleged N12.3 billion fraud case involves a 13-count charge bordering on fraud and obtaining money by false pretence.
  • The case was adjourned from Thursday, March 8, to June 11, 2025.
  • The nominal complainant attended a meeting held on March 12 with the AGF to explore an out-of-court settlement.
  • No final agreement was reached during the meeting, with a follow-up meeting taking place on April 9, 2025.
  • The case has been ongoing since at least March 17, 2025, when Otudeko's legal counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), disclosed that the AGF had called for a meeting with all parties to explore an out-of-court settlement.

Sources:

  • SaharaReporters
  • Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
  • Lagos Directorate 1 of the EFCC
  • Attorney General of the Federation
  • Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke
  • Dele Oyewale, EFCC Head of Media and Publicity
  • Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special Assistant to the President on Communication and Publicity in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation