The Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, re-arraigned one Johnson Ofortube before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State on a two-count charge bordering on stealing and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N9,000,000 (Nine Million Naira).

The defendant was standing trial before Justice Sherifat Solebo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos State, after being arraigned on July 14, 2022.

However, the trial could not be concluded before the retirement of Justice Solebo.

The case file was, therefore, re-assigned to Justice Oshodi and it started de novo.

One of the counts reads: "Johnson Ofortube, on or about the 29th day of July 2010 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to defraud, stole and fraudulently converted the sum of N9,000,000 (Nine Million Naira), property of Sir George Obinna Ihetu, entrusted to you as the purchase price of two and half plots of land lying, being and situate at New Okota Lagos State Development and Property Corporation (L.S.P.D.C.) of Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State."

He again pleaded "not guilty" to the charges.

In view of the defendant’s plea, the prosecution counsel, Fanel Anun, prayed the court for a trial date to enable the prosecution to prove its case against the defendant.

The defence counsel, Chuks Mmamorah, informed the court that Justice Solebo had previously granted the defendant bail and that the defendant was always in court for his trial.

Justice Oshodi, however, refused the prayer, noting that the bail papers were not before the court.

The defendant was ordered to be remanded at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.

The case was adjourned till April 17, 2023 for trial.

Media & Publicity

04/04/2023