The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on January 28, 2025, re-arraigned Murtala Adebayo before Justice R.A. Oshodi of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, over an alleged ₦19 million fraud.
Adebayo was first arraigned on January 24, 2024, before Justice Mojisola Dada on a three-count charge to which he pleaded “not guilty.”
However, during the trial, allegations emerged that the defendant used forged Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and tax documents to secure bail, prompting Justice Dada to withdraw from the case and return the file to the Chief Judge.
The case was subsequently reassigned to Justice Oshodi for a fresh trial.
One of the charges against Adebayo alleges that in 2015, he fraudulently obtained ₦4.5 million from Gafar Abiodun Ademolake under the false pretense of selling three plots of land at Ogombo, Ajah, Lagos.
Another charge states that in 2019, he deceitfully obtained three vehicles worth ₦9 million from the same individual, claiming the payment was for 18 plots of land at Ayogbemi Village, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Adebayo, who took his plea in Yoruba, maintained his earlier stance of “not guilty” to the charges.
The EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, S.M. Yabo, requested a trial date to present witnesses and evidence.
Meanwhile, defense counsel Bamidele Ogundele urged the court to allow Adebayo to retain the bail conditions initially granted by Justice Dada.
However, prosecuting counsel Marthins Oyigbo opposed the request, citing the allegations of forged documents previously used by the defendant to obtain bail.
After hearing the submissions, Justice Oshodi granted Adebayo bail under new conditions, including a ₦5 million bond, one surety in like sum, and a lien of ₦5 million on the surety’s personal account.
The surety is also required to enroll in the court’s surety registration management system.
The case has been adjourned to March 7, 2025, for trial.
