Lagos, May 21, 2025 — Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Lagos High Court has issued a stern rebuke over continued delays in the high-profile trial of former bank chief, Francis Atuche, warning that the court will no longer tolerate tactics aimed at frustrating the judicial process.
At a recent sitting, the judge expressed deep frustration at the persistent absence and lateness of the defence counsel, noting that such conduct appears to be a deliberate strategy to stall proceedings.
“It is disheartening that after such a long interval, the counsel cannot make themselves available. This is not only disrespectful to the court but undermines the cause of justice,” Justice Abike-Fadipe said, visibly angered by the defence’s nonchalance.
The judge emphasized that legal practitioners have a professional duty to act with diligence and respect the sanctity of court proceedings, especially in cases involving financial crimes.
“The court’s time must be respected,” she added, underscoring the judiciary’s growing intolerance for delay tactics in corruption and fraud-related cases.
The case against Atuche, a former Managing Director of the defunct Bank PHB, was re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on December 16, 2024.
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He faces a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit felony and forgery alongside co-defendants Nnosiri Joachim (a.k.a Ifeanyi) and Uguru Onyike.
The matter, which has dragged on for years, has been plagued by multiple restarts due to judicial transfers.
Initially heard by Justice Habeeb Abiru (now a Justice of the Court of Appeal), the trial was later restarted before Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo, who was subsequently reassigned. It is now before Justice Abike-Fadipe.
One of the charges alleges that the defendants conspired on March 4, 2013, in Lagos to forge a document titled “Board Resolution” of Future View Securities Limited, dated December 17, 2007.
Another count accuses Joachim of knowingly presenting a falsified board resolution of Trajek Nigeria Limited to Keystone Bank as an authentic document.
The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the most recent session, the court also heard testimony from Michael Aghama, a former legal adviser and secretary of Bank PHB and Keystone Bank. Aghama recounted how Atuche had requested delivery of a missing document, only to later decline receipt and advise that it be submitted to the bank’s head of internal audit.
Justice Abike-Fadipe has adjourned the case till May 27, 2025, for continuation of trial, warning all parties that the court will not condone further delays.
