By Mujidat Oyewole
Ilorin – A Kwara High Court sitting in Ilorin on Wednesday issued a warrant of arrest against a Lagos-based businessman, Isiaka Jimoh, following his absence in court to face an alleged N155 million fraud charge.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had in September 2019 arraigned Jimoh and his company, Chemtech Chemicals Limited, on a two-count charge of obtaining N155 million under false pretence.
The charge stated that Jimoh and his company between July 4 and July 17, 2017, with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of N155 million from one Azeez Taiwo of Manabiz Ventures under the pretext that the money represented part payment for the supply of 1,000,000 litres of base oil.
He said the defendant committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) and punishable under Section 1 of the Advance Fee fraud and other fraud offences Act.
At the resumption of proceedings in the matter, Adeola Omotunde, Counsel to the defendant, told the court that his client was critically ill and had to be flown abroad on Dec. 20, 2019, for treatment.
Omotunde urged the court to adjourn the matter until a later date for cross examination of the witness earlier scheduled for that day.
But the EFCC Counsel, Mr Christopher Mschelia, raised objection to the absence of the defendant who he said had violated the bail conditions granted to him.
“Part of his bail condition is that he must be available for his trial. I urge this honourable court to revoke the bail granted to him and order that bench warrant be issued against him,” Mschelia said.
Justice Sikiru Oyinloye, ruling on the oral application, said there was no proper notification before the court to show why the defendant would not be present for his trial on Wednesday.
“The defendant has violated Section 191 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, Law of Kwara State. There was no letter informing this honourable court about the illness of the defendant.
“Any person on bail is enjoying limited freedom. I see no reason why this court should not be notified about his whereabouts.
“The bail of the defendant is hereby revoked, the EFCC is directed to arrest and produce the defendant in court.
“The sureties should appear in court at the next adjourned date to show cause why they should not be charged for contempt,” Oyinloye said.
The case was adjourned till Feb. 5.
(NAN)
