On Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Alaba Alakija, a father-in-law, and his daughter-in-law, Oyinkansola Alakija, before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, on an amended two-count charge of alleged conspiracy and use of fraudulent documents.
According to the EFCC’s head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the duo conspired to use a false document titled “Vesting Deed by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija,” the executors of the late Sir Ademola Alakija’s estate, purporting to be made by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija.”
The act was reportedly committed on or around August 6th, 2015, with the purpose to financially benefit from a property located at No.10, Keffi Street, South-west, Ikoyi, Lagos.At their arraignment before Justice Mojisola Dada, the defendants pled “not guilty” to the charges.
Following their plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and detention of the prisoners to a correctional facility.Counsel for the first defendant, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Yemi Akangbe, informed the court of his client’s bail application, which he said he submitted and served on the prosecution.
While presenting the application, he encouraged the judge to grant bail to his client on the most lenient terms.Victor Giwa, counsel for the second defendant, informed the court that he learned about the case later and came from out of jurisdiction. He asked to be allowed to move his bail application orally.
Giwa also told the court that his client, Oyinkan Alakija, whom he described as a lawyer, has a two-month-old baby, whom she still breastfeeds, and that she would not jump bail.
However, in a dramatic twist, the second defendant’s husband debunked the claim and told the court that their baby is nine months old.
After listening to all the parties, Justice Dada granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N10 million, with sureties in like sum, who must submit their international passports to the court.
The court also took possession of the passport of the second defendant.
Both defendants were then released to their lawyers pending the perfection of their bail conditions. The judge adjourned the matter to May, 28 2024 for commencement of trial.