Lawyer cum businessman, Chief Fred Ajudua, (Dike Anioma and Onwa Igbuzo) has been granted bail by Justice Mohammed Garba of the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. The businessman is standing trial before a Lagos High Court for allegedly defrauding a Germany-based company of one million dollars 25 years ago.
Fred Ajudua was previously charged before Justice Josephine Oyefeso of an Ikeja High Court before the case was re-filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and reassigned to Justice Mojisola Dada. Upon his arraignment in July 6, 2018, Justice Dada turned down Ajudua’s bail application which was premised on his failing health.
Referring to an Appeal Court ruling of over four years ordering his trial to justify the position of the court, Justice Dada held that Ajudua has had sufficient time to treat himself but failed to do so.
“This case has suffered a series of adjournments on health grounds for 13-years. I am not persuaded because this case is one of the oldest in Lagos State. Bail is refused and the defendant is to be remanded in prison custody,” she ordered.
Vexed by the ruling, Ajudua’s Lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, immediately filed an appeal before the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. Ruling on the appeal, Justice Garba upturned the decision of Justice Dada stating that bail is a constitutional right which the defendant ought to enjoy.
Justice Garba ordered that Ajudua should continue on the terms of the previous bail granted him by Justice Oyefeso.