Suspected fraudster, Fred Ajudua has been granted bail by Justice Ganiyu Safari of the Lagos High Court in Ikeja in the sum of N50m with two sureties in like sum.
He was granted bail on the grounds of his failing health, after two months in detention, on the back of seven years in which he evaded justice. He had first been arraigned in 2003, but after receiving bail two years later to attend to his kidney-related ailment in India, he absconded.
This Justice prompted trial judge, Justice Olubunmi Oyewole to revoke his bail and declare him wanted. This is also the reason why, when he resurfaced, Justice Oyewole rejected his first bail request, instead ordering his remandment in Kirikiri Prison.
But counsel to the accused, Mr. Olalekan Ojo filed a fresh bail application last week, claiming that his client’s health was deteriorating such that he had to be rushed to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) after a kidney malfunction that saw him pass out blood through his penis.
However, EFCC counsel, Wemimo Ogunde argued against the bail application, saying Ajudua deserved no second chance at bail and insisting that the accused would again abscond.
Ruling on the matter today, Justice Safari described Ajudua’s ill-health as an exceptional circumstance that warrants a bail, as the medical facilities to treat his complicated ailments are unavailable in prison.
He confirmed that Dr. Adebisi Ogunjimi of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) issued a medical report on 13th August 2013, validating claims that Ajudua was rushed to the hospital 10 days earlier. He said the report confirmed that Ajudua has just one kidney and is also hypertensive.
However, he conceded that Ajudua’s history with jumping bail means the conditions this time would be very stringent.
Asides from the N50m bail bonds, Justice Safari said the two sureties are to swear to an affidavit of means and present evidence of three-year tax clearance payable to the Lagos State Government.
He also ordered the sureties to deposit the title deeds of their buildings in Lagos to the Chief Registrar of the court, and that these title deeds of the properties must be verified by the Lagos State Lands Bureau while the EFCC is to verify their residential and business addresses.
He then directed Ajudua to deposit his international passport with the Chief Registrar of the court and ensure that he doesn’t travel out of the country without first securing the court’s permission.
Trial in the substantive suit before Justice Oyewole will however continue on the 24th of September.
Ajudua and his co-defendant Charles Orie are accused by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of duping Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen, two Dutch businessmen, of $1.69m (about N270m).
