The Supreme Court on Friday overturned a Court of Appeal ruling that had granted bail to Lagos businessman and former socialite, Fred Ajudua, who is facing trial for allegedly defrauding a German firm of $1 million in a case dating back over 30 years.
Delivering a unanimous judgment, the apex court held that the appellate court erred in granting Ajudua bail and directed that he be returned to correctional custody immediately.
The court also ordered the Lagos State High Court, presided over by Justice Mojisola Dada, to resume full hearing of the long-standing criminal matter without delay.
Ajudua, who was initially arraigned before Justice Josephine Oyefeso of the Lagos High Court, had his case re-filed and reassigned to Justice Dada by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
At his re-arraignment on July 6, 2018, the trial judge refused bail on the grounds of repeated delays and the advanced age of the case.
“This case is one of the oldest in Lagos State. Bail is refused, and the defendant is to be remanded in prison custody,” Justice Dada had ruled.
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However, Ajudua’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Olalekan Ojo, secured a bail ruling from the Court of Appeal, with Justice Mohammed Garba asserting that bail was a constitutional right. The court ordered that Ajudua remain on bail under previously granted conditions.
In response, the EFCC escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, seeking a reversal—a move that has now succeeded.
Friday’s ruling marks a significant legal turn in one of Nigeria’s most protracted and controversial fraud cases, with the Supreme Court reasserting the authority of trial courts in matters involving long-delayed justice.
The trial is now expected to proceed at full speed at the Lagos State High Court.