The Lagos Division of the Federal High Court has set February 27, 2025, for the arraignment of Gbolahan Obanikoro, the son of Senator Musliu Obanikoro, over allegations of defrauding N1.356 billion.
As reported by Peoples Gazette, Gbolahan Obanikoro, along with four other defendants, face charges of conspiracy, obtaining money by false pretenses, fraud, and making false representations.
The other accused include Adejare Adegbenro, Balmoral International Limited, M.O.B. Integrated Limited, and DDSS International Company Limited.
The court date was scheduled last Friday after the defendants failed to attend their initial arraignment.
Prosecuting counsel, Momoh Bello, informed the court that notices had been served to all defendants, but a bench warrant was not issued as the defendants were absent.
However, Joshua Abel, representing M.O.B. Integrated Limited, contested the request for a bench warrant, explaining that the service was delayed and that several directors were overseas at the time.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa acknowledged the delay in service and directed that personal service be completed for the first and second defendants.
The Special Fraud Unit of the Nigeria Police Force has accused Gbolahan Obanikoro and the other defendants of conspiring to fraudulently obtain N1.36 billion from Access Bank (formerly Diamond Bank) between May and September 2013.
The police further allege that the funds were misappropriated and used for personal purposes, knowing the money was derived from illegal activities.
The charges against the defendants violate sections of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offenses Act of 2006 and the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.
The court has adjourned the case until February 27, 2025, for the formal arraignment of all accused parties.
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