The case involving businessman Ifeanyi Nweke and Field Dreams Ltd. was postponed once again as the defendant failed to appear in court, delaying the arraignment proceedings.
The absence of Nweke before Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Special Offences Court has resulted in the adjournment of the ₦1.2 billion fraud case hearing for the second time.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), prosecuting the case on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, expressed frustration over the defendant’s continued evasion of trial.
EFCC counsel, Franklin Ofoma, informed the court that Nweke had jumped administrative bail previously granted to him by the Commission and has since been at large.
“This is not the first time the defendant has failed to appear,” Ofoma told the court.
“He has refused to honour all invitations and has absconded after being granted bail by the Commission. We believe he is deliberately evading trial.”
Nweke and Field Dreams Limited are facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy to steal, obtaining money by false pretence, and unlawful retention of stolen funds.
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According to the charge sheet, Nweke and Field Dreams Limited allegedly conspired in 2021 to defraud one Gbbolahan Odutayo of over ₦132 million and subsequently retained proceeds of the fraud, including a separate sum of ₦1.12 billion, both allegedly stolen under false pretences.
The first count accuses the defendants of conspiracy to steal, contrary to Section 411 and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The second count involves obtaining money by false pretence in violation of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
The third and fourth counts allege the unlawful retention of ₦132.3 million and ₦1.12 billion, respectively, contrary to Section 328(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Due to the defendant’s continued absence, Justice Oshodi adjourned the matter to September 15, 2025, for arraignment and for Nweke to appear and take his plea.
The EFCC has not ruled out the possibility of applying for a bench warrant should the defendant remain elusive.
