The Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned the hearing of all pending applications in the N32 billion fraud case filed by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) against Fidelity Bank Plc and three others.
Presiding over the case on Thursday, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa postponed proceedings to allow the Federal Government to file and serve an application compelling the defendants to appear for arraignment and trial.
The Federal Government has accused Fidelity Bank, its Managing Director and CEO, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, a lawyer, Victor Ukutt, and one Whoba Ugwunna Ogo (who remains at large) of conspiracy, conversion, obtaining by false pretenses, forgery, fraud, and money laundering in an eight-count charge.
At Thursday’s hearing, only Ukutt was present in court. The AGF’s office was represented by prosecutor Chelsy Emezina, while Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana appeared for Ukutt and Ogo.
Fidelity Bank and its CEO were represented by SAN Ayodele Akintunde, while Muiz Banire (SAN) represented the complainant, Woobs Resources Limited.
The case was initially scheduled for the hearing of a defense application challenging the court’s jurisdiction and alleging abuse of process.
However, the prosecution argued that such motions could only be entertained after the defendants submit to the court’s authority by taking their pleas.
Falana objected, stating that the AGF’s office had not responded in writing to the defense’s preliminary objections.
In a brief ruling, the court directed the prosecution to file a written response and a motion to compel the defendants’ attendance for arraignment.
The parties were instructed to agree on a date for the next hearing.
The charges allege that between 2011 and 2023, the defendants conspired to convert approximately N32 billion from Woobs Resources Limited’s account with Fidelity Bank, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act, 2011 (as amended).
The defendants, however, claim that the case revolves around a shareholder dispute currently before the Court of Appeal.
