Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja has adjourned to July 16, for the adoption of final written addresses in the alleged over eighty million naira fraud trial of a banker, Oladimeji Balogun.
The trial lasted for two years with prosecutors calling several witnesses to proof the allegations while defense team also counter various claims by the EFCC and tenders evidences to prove the defendant innocence.
The suspect had been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Lagos Zonal Office, on March 4, 2019 on a four-count charge bordering on stealing.
One of the counts reads: “That you, Oladimeji Balogun, sometime between May 30 and June 2018 in Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly converted to the use of Balogun Zainab Omohomo, the sum of N35, 000, 000. 00 (Thirty-five Million Naira) only, being the property of Finni Oluwakemi and committed an offence contrary to Sections 278 and 285 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State No. 11, 2015.”
He pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
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In view of his plea, the prosecution counsel, A. Mohammed, asked the court for a trial date and also prayed that the defendant be remanded in prison custody.
The defence counsel, Adekunle Oyesanya, SAN, however, informed the court of a pending bail application on behalf of his client, and prayed the court to grant Balogun bail.
A prayer Justice Taiwo granted in the sum of ten million naira with two sureties in like sum.
At today’s proceedings, Justice Taiwo adjourned till July 16, 2021 for the adoption of final written addresses by the prosecution and the defence.
The development which will led to fixing of judgement date over the case and the matter would be laid to rest.
