The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned a father-in-law, Alaba Alakija and his daughter-in-law, Oyinkansola Alakija before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, on an amended two-count charge bordering on alleged conspiracy and using false documents.
Trial judge is Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court.
One of the counts reads: “Alaba Alakija and Oyinkansola Alakija, on or about August 6, 2015, at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this court, with intent to financially benefit from the property located at No.10, Keffi Street, South-west, Ikoyi, Lagos, conspired amongst yourselves to use a false document entitled: “Vesting Deed by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija,” the executors of the estate of the late Sir Ademola Alakija, purporting same to be made by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija.”
The defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges when they were to them.
Following their pleas, prosecution counsel, M.S. Owede prayed the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendants in prison custody.
Counsel to the first defendant, M.O. Akangbe, SAN, informed the court of the bail application of his client, which he said he had filed and served on the prosecution.
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Praying to move the application, he urged the court to grant bail to his client in the most liberal terms.
However, counsel to the second defendant, Victor Giwa, prayed the court to move the bail application of his client orally.
He told the court that he was informed about the matter late and that he came from outside the jurisdiction of the court.
Giwa stated that his client, whom he described as a lawyer, has a two month-old baby, whom she still breastfeeds, and that she would not jump bail.
However, in a twist, the second defendant’s husband denied the claim and told the court that their baby was nine months old.
After listening to both parties, Justice Dada granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N10 million, with sureties in like sum, who must submit their international passports to the court.
The court, however, took possession of the passport of the second defendant.
Both defendants were released to their lawyers pending perfection of their bail conditions.
The judge adjourned the matter to May 28, 2024, for commencement of trial.
