An Ikeja, Lagos High Court on Tuesday, turned down the application for bail filed by Fred Ajudua, facing trial for allegedly defrauding a former Chief of Army Staff, Ishaya Bamaiyi of a total sum of $8.4 million.
Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye, presiding judge in the case, dismissed Ajudua’s application for bail, saying it lacks merit.
Ajudua has been facing trial after a suit was filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), accusing him and others now at large of duping Bamaiyi while they were both in Kirikiri Prison, Lagos between November 2004 and June 2005.
The prosecution alleged that Ajudua told Bamayi that the money was to be used as professional fees for the services of Chief Afe Babalola, a senior lawyer, to handle Bamaiyi’s case in court and help secure his release from prison.
Ajudua, who was ordered to remain in prison after his arraignment on 11th March had, filed a bail application through his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, pointing to “serious ill health” as a reason he deserves bail.
He presented two medical reports from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) indicating that he has serious renal problems to buttress his claim.
In his ruling, Justice Ipaye, observed that there was nothing in the reports that showed that the accused, “cannot be treated while still in prison…The application lacks merit, so is hereby refused,” he said.
Ajudua is standing trial on a 14-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence.
He has pleaded not guilty and has demanded that Bamaiyi be brought to court to defend why he allegedly offered the bribe.
Justice Ipaye adjourned the matter to 30th June, 1st and 4th July 2014 for trial.
