SOME years ago when controversial lawyer Fred Ajudua built his all-marble Victoria Garden City (VGC) home, so many people marvellod at his display of wealth and style. Then the house which was put at about N300 million was the cynosure of all eyes because it was styled after an Arabian building. But today, the story has changed. The dome house has become a shadow of its former self. Apart from the fading paints on the wall, weeds have taken over the building completely.
Tag: Fred Ajudua
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Ajudua free to travel abroad, Appeal Court rules
After several failed efforts to seek medical attention abroad, alleged fraudster, Fred Ajudua on Friday got respite from the Court of Appeal.
The court presided over by Justice Rita Pemu in a unanimous judgment, set aside the ruling of a Lagos High Court judge, which denied the socialite bail in an alleged $8.4 million fraud charge.
Ajudua, who has been in prison custody following various fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was denied bail by Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye despite his failing health.
The trial judge had refused the defendant appellant bail following his “antecedents in the past”, as argued by the commission.
In the instant case, Ajudua was alleged to have defrauded a former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi of $8.395 million while they were in prison custody.
Through his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, Ajudua, who has been battling kidney malfunction1987, had prayed the trial court for leave to seek medical care abroad but was turned down because he had jumped bail in the past.
Dissatisfied by the court’s ruling, the socialite had approached the appellate court seeking the overturn of the trial court’s decision, formulating four issues for determination.
He urged the court to determine whether the lower court was right when it refused to admit him on bail despite his heath condition.
Although the EFC had claimed that the medical facility at Kirikiri Maximum Prison was adequate to carter for his needs, Ajudua had argued that he needed specialist with Hi-tech medical equipment because of the peculiar nature of his ailment.
He had also prayed the appellate court to set aside the trial court’s ruling denying him leave to make extra-judicial statement.
His lawyer, Ojo argued that it is the duty of court in all cases particularly in criminal cases and where the liberty of the accused is at stake to ensure that justice is done.
However, the EFCC had urged the court to dismiss Ajudua’s appeal, noting that should the need for medical attention arise, the commission was prepared to provide medical services for him within the jurisdiction of the court.
While insisting that Ajudua may abscond if admitted to bail, the commission argued that he would interfere with witnesses as he had allegedly done in the past.
Delivering judgment in the appeal, the court held that Ajudua has to be alive before standing trial.
From the appellant’s medical report, the court observed that he has been a patient at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) as far back as 1987 for kidney related problems.
It held that the charge levelled against Ajudua by the EFCC does not attract capital punishment hence, a bailable offence.
“He was already a sick man at the time the charge was filed against him. The lower court turned a blind eye to the plight of the appellant (Ajudua)”.
“A man with just one kidney is a walking carcass. Although his reputation is found wanting, he has not been convicted. The court ought to show mercy as a result of his health challenges”, Justice Pemu held.
On the claim by the EFCC that Ajudua will interfere with witnesses, Justice Pemu held that the anti-graft agency failed to show calculated attempt made by appellant to do so.
She admitted Ajudua to bail in N10 million with two sureties in like sum, adding that sureties must have properties worth N50 million in Lagos.
Ajudua, the court insisted must sign an undertaking that he would remain in Nigeria throughout his trial unless there was need for him to travel abroad for treatment.
However the appellate court dismissed Ajudua appeal CA/L/693A on the refusal of the lower court to allow him (Ajudua) make extra-judicial statement in response to the allegations levelled against him.
Justice Pemu affirmed the decision of the lower court on the ground that Ajudua was given opportunity to make statements but he chose not to do so.
“It’s appellant’s constitutional right but he chose to waive it. The court cannot teach the Police how to carry out its investigation. The court cannot also force defendant to make statement”
The EFCC alleged that Ajudua conspired with others (now at large) to perpetrate the fraud between November 2004 and June 2005.
It said Ajudua obtained the money from Bamaiyi by claiming that it represented the professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) to handle his case.
EFCC also alleged Ajudua claimed that the money would help to facilitate Bamaiyi’s release from prison.
Ajudua however filed a preliminary objection to his trail insisting the court had no jurisdiction to try him since he was charged under the repealed Advance Fee Fraud Act.
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Still a long road to freedom for Fred Ajudua
FOR detained socialite, Fred Ajudua, the path to freedom from the claws of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) appears very long. Only on Friday, last week, an Ikeja High Court adjourned further hearing in his trial until September 21. Justice Kudirat Jose adjourned the matter to allow the Court of Appeal to rule on the appeal filed by Ajudua challenging the competence of the charge against him.
Ajudua and one Charles Orie are being prosecuted by the EFCC. They are standing trial for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmen Messrs Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen, of $1.69 million (N252.8 million). The lawyer has been a regular guest of numerous law enforcement agencies in Nigeria, as he has reportedly involved himself in some financial deals that have seen him going in and out of Nigerian prisons.
The free-spending dude from Ibusa, Delta State, has been making frantic efforts to ensure that he escapes imprisonment this time, having reportedly experienced it in the 1990s.
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Absence of witnesses stalls Ajudua’s trial
The trial of Lagos socialite and alleged fraudster, Fred Ajudua, again failed to hold yesterday owing to the absence of prosecution witnesses in court.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had charged Ajudua to court for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmen of $1.69 million.
The EFCC had arraigned him with Charles Okorie before Justice Joseph Oyewole in July 24, 2003 for “defrauding” Messrs Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen between July 30, 1999 and February 9, 2000.
Ajudua and Okorie were re-arraigned by the commission last month before Justice Kudirat Jose on the same charges.
The EFCC had alleged that the defendants conspired with three men, Abiola Fawehinmi, Steven Joiner and Rasheed Adekunle, who are now at large, to commit the offences between July 30, 1999 and February 9, 2000.
The commission also said the defendants deceived the victims that the money was for sundry payments to various government officials.
The EFCC further alleged that the defendants claimed that the payments would help them to facilitate a contract worth $18 million on behalf of the complainants.
The offences, the agency said, contravene Sections 1(a) and (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud Act of 1995 as amended by Decree No. 62 of 1999.
At the resumed hearing of the matter yesterday, EFCC’s lawyer, Chief Wemimo Ogunde (SAN) told the court that some of the prosecution witnesses who reside abroad were not in the country because the commission was unsure of how the matter would proceed.
He recalled that the defence counsel led by Olalekan Ojo had last Friday served the commission with a process for stay of proceedings, adding that Ojo called later to say that the process was served in error. That, he said, was why the commission could not extend an invitation to the witnesses to travel down to Nigeria.
Ogunde subsequently asked for a 21-day period to enable the EFCC get the witnesses to attend the trial.
Ojo, who opposed the request for adjournment, said it would be wrong for the court to grant such a long adjournment when his client had been refused bail.
He also contended that the fact that his chamber mistakenly served the EFCC with a wrong process was not enough reason for the commission not to bring its witnesses to the court.
The trial judge, Justice Jose overruled Ojo’s argument and adjourned the matter till May 23. -
Absence of witnesses stalls Ajudua’s trial
The trial of a one-time Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, charged with $1.69 million fraud, was on Monday stalled due to the absence of prosecution witnesses.
Ajudua and one Charles Orie are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Kudirat Jose of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja.
They are standing trial for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmen – Messrs Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen, of $1.69 million (about N252.8 million).
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that during Monday’s proceedings, the EFCC counsel, Chief Wemimo Ogunde (SAN), told the court that some of the prosecution witnesses reside abroad.
Ogunde said the defence counsel, Mr. Olalekan Ojo, had on April 25, served the commission with an application for stay of proceedings but later called to say that it was served in error.
He said the EFCC could not therefore extend invitation to the witnesses to travel down to Nigeria because the commission was unsure of how the matter would proceed.
According to him, the commission is being cautious because a similar incident occurred in the past when witnesses came but the matter did not proceed.
Ogunde, therefore, asked the court for a 21-day period to enable the EFCC get the witnesses to attend the trial.
Ojo, however, opposed the request for the 21 days adjournment, arguing that the period was too long to get witnesses from abroad.
He said that it would be wrong for the court to grant such a long adjournment when his client (Ajudua) had been refused bail.
The counsel said the fact that his chambers mistakenly served the EFCC with a wrong process was not enough excuse for the commission not to bring its witnesses to the court.
In a short ruling, Jose overruled Ojo’s argument and adjourned the matter till May 23 for trial.
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Court dismisses Ajudua’s bail application
Lagos socialite Fred Ajudua yesterday lost his bid for bail at an Ikeja High Court.
Justice Kudirat Jose held that Ajudua failed to convince the court that he would not abscond if granted bail.
Ajudua is standing trial for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmen, Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen of $1.69 million.
Though the judge held that there is proof of Ajudua’s illness, she said she could not grant him bail because his application lacked merit.
Ajudua attached to his application, medical reports from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
Justice Jose noted that Ajudua was admitted in LUTH on August 3, 2013 and was treated for hypertension, traumatic haematuria and enlarged prostate gland, which arose from having only one kidney.
His doctors, she said, had also prescribed further treatment and possible corrective surgery to address his failing health.
The reports, she said, did not show that Ajudua cannot be treated in prison.
The judge said Ajudua also failed to convince the court that he would not interfere with witnesses if granted bail.
“The applicant (Ajudua) has not shown to the court why he was not able to come to his trial between 2006 and 2013. He did not respond to the allegation that he had tampered with a witness in the trial. Due to his absence, the matter has been stalled since 2006,” Jose said.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Ajudua and one Charles Orie before Justice Joseph Oyewole in 2006 for allegedly defrauding Cina and Vijgen.
They were re-arraigned before Justice Jose on February 5, 2014, following the transfer of the case from Justice Oyewole.
Justice Jose adjourned the case till April 28.
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$1.69m fraud: Court dismisses Ajudua bail application
An Ikeja High Court, on Monday denied the bail application filed by one-time Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, accused of defrauding two Dutch businessmen of 1.69 million dollars (about N252.8 million).
Justice Kudirat Jose in a ruling on the bail application filed by Ajudua’s counsel, Chief Charles Edosomwan (SAN), dismissed it for lack of merit.
Jose said the medical reports issued by the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), showed that Ajudua was suffering from complicated ailments as a result of having a solitary kidney.
The judge stated that Ajudua was admitted at LUTH on Aug. 3, 2013, and was treated for hypertension, traumatic haematuria and enlarged prostate gland.
She said upon Ajudua’s discharge on Jan. 12, this year, the doctors recommended further treatment and possible corrective surgery to ameliorate his condition.
“These reports show that the applicant (Ajudua) is not a very healthy man and that he needs medical attention.
“However, the reports have not shown that he cannot be treated while still in prison,’’ Jose ruled.
The judge said Ajudua had also failed to convince the court that he would not abscond or interfere with witnesses if the bail was granted.
“Ajudua has not shown to the court why he was not able to come to his trial between 2008 and 2013.
“He did not respond to the allegation that he had tampered with a witness in the trial.
“Due to his absence, the matter has been stalled since 2006.
“Given these circumstances, the applicant (Ajudua), ought not to be released on bail,’’ the judge said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajudua and one Charles Orie, are being prosecuted for allegedly defrauding the businessmen, Messrs Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen.
They were re-arraigned before Jose on Feb. 5, 2014 following the transfer of the case from the former trial judge, Justice Joseph Oyewole.
Jose, who had earlier permitted Orie to enjoy the bail granted him by Oyewole, ordered that Ajudua should remain in Kirikiri Maximum Prison, pending the determination of the trial.
The trial had been adjourned to April 28 for commencement.
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Alleged $1.69m fraud: New judge for Ajudua’s case
The trial of a Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, over a $1.69 million fraud, could not proceed at a Lagos High Court, Ikeja yesterday. Reason: His case was re-assigned to a new judge, Justice Kudirat Jose.
He could also not be rearraigned because counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Wemimo Ogunde (SAN) was absent in court.
Ajudua’s last court appearance was in September, last year, when he argued his bail application before a vacation judge, Justice Ganiyu Safari.
When the matter came up before Justice Jose yesterday, Ajudua looked pale and tired as he was assisted into the court by a prison official.
While the matter lasted, Ajudua lay on the bench reserved for defendants.
Justice Jose adjourned his re-arraignment till February 5 to enable her update herself with the case.
Ajudua and his associate, Charles Orie, were charged before Justice Olubunmi Oyewole in 2003 for allegedly defrauding two Dutch businessmen, Messrs Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen, of the money between July 1999 and September 2000.
The transfer of the case to Justice Jose was necessitated by Justice Oyewole’s withdrawal. His withdrawal was said to be in connection with a petition written to the EFCC by a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen.Ishaya Bamaiyi (rtd), alleging that Ajudua used the names of the judge and others to defraud him of about $8.39 million.
During yesterday’s proceedings, Ajudua’s counsel, Mr Richard Ahonaruogho, was also in court.
Ajudua’s and Orie’s cases were truncated in 2005 after Ajudua travelled abroad for treatment.
On June 11, 2013, Ajudua appeared before the court after an almost eight-year absence.
His efforts at obtaining bail failed as Justice Oyewole ordered him to be remanded in Kirikiri Maximum Prison. He was later granted N50 million bail by Justice Safari on health grounds.
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Ajudua for trial Feb. 12 for ‘defrauding’ Bamayi of $8.395m
Lagos socialite, Mr Fred Ajudua, will be arraigned before a Lagos High Court in Ikeja on February 12, 2014, for allegedly defrauding a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Ishaya Bamaiyi, of about $8.395 million.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC, which filed new charges against the suspect, said he would be arraigned alongside others with whom he allegedly committed the crime between November 2004 and June 2005.
The fresh charges against Ajudua and others, dated October 14, comprise 13 counts of conspiracy and fraud.
Other suspects to be arraigned Ajudua but said to be at large are: Alumile Adedeji (aka Ade Bendel), a man simply identified Mr Keneth and Princess Hamabon William.
The EFCC alleged that Ajudua and the other suspects allegedly defrauded Bamaiyi at the Kirikiri Maximum Prisons, where he and other suspects were on remand for fraud also alleged that the suspects fraudulently collected the money from Bamaiyi, falsely claiming that it was part of the professional fees charged by a legal luminary to facilitate his release from prison.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that Ajudua and the others fraudulently claimed that $1 million of the money collected from Bamaiyi was for financial assistance to treat Justice Olubunmi Oyewole’s father.
The suspects were said to have told Bamaiyi that Oyewole’s father was admitted at St. Nicholas in Lagos and that $1 million was needed to assist the judge for the medical expenses of his father.
Justice Ipaye adjourned the matter till February 12, 2014 for the arraignment.