N10m Fraud: Suspect’s Absence Stalls Arraignment Again

Plans by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to arraign a barrister, Mr. Kingsley Odabi, allegedly involved in a N10 million fraud case, before Hon. Justice A. Banjoko of the Federal Capital Territory High Court 10, Gudu, Abuja, have failed because of the suspect’s absence in court.

However, the Commission, through a motion exparte filed by its counsel, Paul Bassi, got the leave of Court to serve the defendant with the three-count charge by substituted means i.e. at his place of work.

It would be recalled that the Commission had filed a 3-count charge against Odabi at High Court 10, Gudu District Abuja, bordering on forgery and falsification of land documents to defraud one Dr. A. Babade.

ICPC in the charge sheet preferred against Odabi, accused him of “Forging a document to wit: Offer of Terms of Grant of Conveyance of Approval with the intent to cause Dr. Babade, B. A. to part with Ten Million Naira for the sale of Plot 780 within Kaura Distrct, Abuja contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 304 of the Penal Code Act 2004”.

Odabi was first billed to be arraigned on 21st January, 2016 but failed to appear in court leading the judge, Hon. Justice A. Banjoko to adjourn the case to 16th February, 2016 for his arraignment. ICPC counsel, Paul Bassi, had described his absence as a breach of the condition of administrative bail granted the accused and urged the court to revoke the bail while asking his surety to produce him in court.

The application was granted by the trial judge for the defendant to be served by substituted means.

The matter has been adjourned to 7th March, 2016 for arraignment of the defendant.