The N108million fraud trial involving one Vikram Tanaji Dunde and Limex Global Industries Limited could not go on as expected on February 17, 2022 before Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of a Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos due to the absence of the lead defence counsel.

Dunde and the company are facing a five-count charge bordering on obtaining goods by false pretence contrary to Sections 1 (a) and (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No 14 of 2006, and issuance of dud cheque contrary to Sections 1 (1)(a) and 1 (1) (i) of the dishonoured cheque (offences) Act, Cap D 11 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Count one reads: "Mr. Vikram Tanaji Dunde (at large) and Limex Global Industries Limited sometimes between October to November 2019 in Lagos within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced Orient Global Manufacturing Limited to confer a benefit on you, namely supplying you 202.877 tons of Linear Akyl Benzene Sulphuric Acid (LABSA) valued at N108,539,195.00 (One Hundred and Eight Million Five Hundred and Thirty-nine Thousand One Hundred and and Ninety-five Naira) on the understanding that you will pay for the goods but up till now, you have refused to do so."

At the resumed sitting today, prosecuting counsel, S.O. Daji, informed the Court that the prosecution had its witness in Court and was ready to proceed with the trial.

However, counsel for the defendant, Oluwaleke Dada, pleaded with the Court for an adjournment due to the absence of the lead defence counsel, who he said was before another Judge and was more conversant with the case.

Thereafter, Justice Taiwo adjourned till March 9 and 15, 2022.