A Lagos Special Offences Court, sitting in Ikeja, has been told how a businessman, Olaoluwa James Oluwamide and his company, Ayomi Triumph Energy Limited, allegedly defrauded Sterling Bank of $39,554.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, brought the charges against Oluwamide, and his company, informing the Court that the matter had been inherited from retired Justice Serifat Solebo and requested a speedy trial.
The Court then took the plea of the defendant on a count charge. Oluwamide subsequently pleaded not guilty.
The EFCC Counsel, N. K. Ukoha, however prayed for a trial date, informing the Court of various tactics employed by James’s lawyer in the previous matter to frustrate the trial.
He complained that while they were before Justice Solebo, Oluwamide’s lawyers always absconded from proceedings, and when it was time for their appearance, he would disappear.
The defence counsel, Olumuyiwa Balogun, arrived late and pleaded with the court to represent the defendant.
The judge asked if the lawyer still wished to represent the defendant, and Balogun confirmed yes.
Finally, Ukoha requested a trial date, and Justice Olubusola Okunuga adjourned the trial till Feb 8, 2024.