The Special Offences Court in Ikeja has ruled against the Lagos State Attorney General’s attempt to halt the high-profile trial of Azubuike Ishekwene and Olalekan Abdul, who are facing allegations of a staggering N1.35 billion fraud.

Justice Mojisola Dada’s decision came after a dramatic session in court. The judge discharged Ishekwene and Abdul of the 20 counts filed against them by the Lagos State Government, but allowed the continuation of their trial on five counts related to the case, which are being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The courtroom witnessed tensions as Justice Dada accused the defense counsel of disrespecting the court, a claim that led to heated exchanges. The defense lawyer, however, asserted his innocence in the matter. The trial was adjourned to October 31, 2024, for further proceedings.

The Attorney General’s Office had sought to discontinue the case after an earlier attempt to take over the prosecution failed. This move came despite the court’s prior decision affirming that the defendants had a case to answer. The EFCC originally filed the charges in December 2019, with Ishekwene and Abdul arraigned on January 29, 2020, alongside co-defendants Adeyinka Adewole and Morakinyo Bolanle, who are currently at large.
The prosecution alleged that the defendants fraudulently obtained N350 million and N1 billion from Wema Bank. Both defendants, including Ishekwene and Abdul, who formerly managed Cleanserve, pleaded not guilty and were granted bail.

The court’s ruling followed a Notice of Preliminary Objection filed by the prosecution regarding the Attorney General’s Notice of Discontinuance, relying on Section 211 of the Constitution. The session also saw the defense team dealing with the absence of Dr. Muiz Banire, a prominent lawyer representing the second defendant, who was reportedly ill.

In summary, while the Lagos State charges against the defendants have been dropped, the EFCC’s remaining charges will proceed, keeping the high-stakes trial very much alive.