Justice Chukwu Jekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has denied the EFCC’s request for an arrest warrant for Dr. Oba Otudeko, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, and others due to failure in properly serving them with formal notice.
The court ruled that an arrest warrant could not be issued until the defendants had been officially notified. However, the court approved an alternative service application, Vanguard reports.
During the session, Bode Olanipekun, representing Dr. Otudeko, requested an order to stop media misuse, and the Judge advised all parties to avoid unnecessary media exposure, urging reporters to accurately cover the proceedings.
The EFCC has faced criticism for publicizing charges before formally notifying the accused, with legal experts raising concerns over the breach of the right to a fair hearing and the potential damage to the accused’s reputations.
Critics claimed that this method could influence public opinion and harm the legal process.
The case involves allegations related to Dr. Otudeko’s past association with First Bank of Nigeria, where he served as a non-executive director.
Dr. Otudeko and Dr. Onasanya have both denied the charges, with Otudeko expressing confidence that the truth will come out in the proper legal setting.
The case has been adjourned to February 13 for further proceedings.
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