Arraigned before Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, Alaba Alakija and his daughter-in-law, Oyinkansola Alakija, faced the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday.
According to a statement by Dele Oyewale, the EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, the defendants were arraigned on an amended two-count charge related to alleged conspiracy and the use of false documents.
One of the charges stated: “Alaba Alakija and Oyinkansola Alakija, on or about the 6th day of August 2015 at Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, with intent to financially benefit from the property located at No.10, Keffi Street, South-west, Ikoyi, Lagos, conspired amongst yourselves to use a false document titled ‘Vesting Deed by Dr Omodele Alakija and Mr Afolabi Alakija,’ the executors of the estate of the late Sir Ademola Alakija.”
Upon the reading of the charges, both defendants entered a plea of “not guilty.”
Subsequently, the prosecution counsel, M. S. Owede, requested a trial date and the remand of the accused in a correctional facility.
Legal representative for the first defendant, M.O. Akangbe, informed the court of the bail application filed for the client and requested the court to consider granting bail under liberal terms.
On the other hand, counsel for the second defendant, Victor Giwa, sought to present the bail application orally due to being informed late about the matter and traveling from outside the court’s jurisdiction. Giwa mentioned the defendant’s two-month-old baby, emphasizing that she remains responsible for the child.
However, the claim was later contradicted by the second defendant’s husband, who clarified that their baby was nine months old.
Following deliberation, Justice Dada granted bail to the first defendant in the amount of N10 million, requiring sureties in similar value to surrender their international passports to the court.
The passport of the second defendant was held by the court.
Pending the fulfillment of bail conditions, both defendants were released to their legal representatives.
The trial was adjourned to May 28, 2024.