By Newscount
The Supreme Court has ordered the immediate remand of Lagos-based businessman and socialite, Fred Ajudua, in connection with a $1.43 million fraud case dating back over three decades. In a unanimous ruling delivered on Friday, the apex court overturned the decision of the Court of Appeal, which had earlier granted Ajudua bail.
According to the court, the appellate court erred in its judgment, and Ajudua should be returned to correctional custody without delay. However, Ajudua is reportedly on the run, with sources indicating that he escaped after the Supreme Court’s decision.
The case stems from allegations that Ajudua defrauded a German company of $1.43 million through an advance fee fraud scheme, commonly referred to as a “419” scam in Nigeria. The funds were allegedly siphoned under the pretext of business transactions with Nigerian government agencies.
Ajudua and his accomplice, Mr. Joseph Ochunor, allegedly forged official documents to make the transactions appear legitimate. The Supreme Court has now ordered that the trial resume before Justice Dada of the Lagos State High Court without further delay.
