The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, charges against Alaba Alakija, the father-in-law, and Oyinkansola Alakija, his daughter-in-law, before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. They face an amended two-count charge related to alleged conspiracy and the use of falsified documents.
A statement by the EFCC’s head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale says the duo conspired to use a false document titled: “Vesting Deed by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija”, the executors of the estate of the late Sir Ademola Alakija, purporting same to be made by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija.”
The alleged offence took place around August 6th, 2015, with the purported aim of gaining financial benefits from a property situated at No.10, Keffi Street, Southwest, Ikoyi, Lagos. During their arraignment before Justice Mojisola Dada, both defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges.
Following their plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendants in 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 had filed and served on the prosecution.
While presenting the application, he urged the judge to grant bail to his client on the most lenient terms possible. Counsel for the second defendant, Victor Giwa, mentioned that he became aware of the matter later and had come from outside the jurisdiction. He requested to verbally present his bail application.
Giwa also mentioned that his client, Oyinkan Alakija, whom he identified as a lawyer, has a two-month-old baby whom she is still nursing and assured the court that she would not evade bail. However, the second defendant’s husband contradicted this claim, informing the court that their baby is nine months old.
After hearing from all parties, Justice Dada granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N10 million, with sureties of similar value who must surrender their international passports to the court. The court also retained the passport of the second defendant.
Both defendants were released to their respective lawyers pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions. The judge adjourned the case to May 28, 2024, for the commencement of the trial.