A court has ordered Oba Otudeko to appear for arraignment over an alleged N12.3bn fraud, while settlement talks are ongoing among parties
A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered Oba Otudeko to appear for arraignment over an alleged ₦12.3 billion fraud.
However, the case has been adjourned to May 8, 2025, as parties explore a peaceful resolution.
During the hearing, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) expressed gratitude to the court and disclosed that all involved parties, including the prosecution, had met under the guidance of the Attorney General of the Federation on March 12 to discuss settlement options.
He requested an adjournment to allow further negotiations.
Other defence counsels, including Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN), Olumide Fusika (SAN), and Charles Adeosun-Phillips (SAN), confirmed the ongoing discussions and supported the request for adjournment.
They urged the court to allow room for a settlement rather than proceeding with the arraignment.
Despite the prosecution’s lawyer, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, suggesting an adjournment for either settlement or arraignment, the defence maintained that the court should focus solely on monitoring the settlement process to prevent prejudice.
Ogunwumiju (SAN) further noted that the Attorney General had advised all parties to refrain from filing additional legal motions to facilitate a smooth negotiation.
Following these submissions, Justice Aneke ruled in favour of an adjournment, scheduling the next hearing for May 8, 2025, for a report on the settlement discussions.
This case is linked to an ongoing debt recovery suit filed by Ecobank against Otudeko, which has also faced multiple delays.
The outcome of the settlement talks could determine whether the fraud charges proceed to trial.
