Suspected Fraudster, Ajudua Rearraigned In Lagos, Refused Bail

Suspected fraudster, Fred Ajudua was today re-arraigned at the Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja. He was re-arraigned alongside Charles Orie for defrauding Remy Cina and Pierre Vijgen, two European businessmen of $1.69m, about N287m. The money was allegedly obtained as sundry payment to various government officials for the execution of an $18m contract. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, accused both men as well as three others, who are still at large, of committing the crime between 1999 & 2000. At their arraignment on Wednesday, the two accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges. Although their lawyers made a case for them to continue to enjoy the bail already granted them by other judges of the court, presiding Justice Kudirat Jose refused to give effect to the existing bails. She directed Charles Orie to file his bail application, while Ajudua's lawyer was to serve his application to the prosecution who also has the responsibility to file his response before the next adjourned date. Bail hearing was then fixed for the 20th of February while trial proper was fixed for the 28th and 29th of April.