On Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, re-arraigned a businessman named Edrian Ididia before an Ikeja Special Offences Court for his alleged involvement in an N84 million car fraud case.
As reported by the News Agency of Nigeria, Ididia faced the amended charges of obtaining money under false pretences and theft before Justice Ismail Ijelu at the Ikeja Special Offences Court.
Having previously pleaded not guilty, the defendant was initially arraigned before retired Justice Serifat Solebo in November 2021, where he was granted bail.
During the recent court session, the EFCC counsel, Mr Ebuka Okongwu, requested a trial date and urged the court to detain the defendant.
The EFCC alleged that Ididia fraudulently obtained N84 million from Mark Umeh in September 2019 by falsely claiming to have three Sports Utility Vehicles for sale, which was later found to be untrue.
Additionally, the anti-graft agency accused the defendant of misappropriating the funds for personal use.
In response, the defence counsel, Dada Awosika, informed the court that he had filed a bail application on May 2 and asked for his client to remain on the previously granted bail by the retired judge.
Awosika also argued for the defendant’s release based on a similar bail granted in a Federal High Court case.
However, the EFCC opposed the bail application, stating that Ididia worked for a construction company in Canada and possessed a Canadian passport, indicating possible flight risk.
Okongwu pointed out discrepancies in the defendant’s provided address, suggesting he might not have a stable residence as claimed.
In contradiction, Awosika asserted that Ididia resided in Benin and his international passport was held by the Federal High Court due to the ongoing proceedings.
He reassured the court of the defendant’s availability for the next hearing and requested his release, offering to arrange a bail bond through his family.
The prosecution outlined that the alleged crimes violated Sections 1(1) (3) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences 2006 and Section 285 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
Justice Ijelu scheduled the next hearing for May 22 to rule on the bail application and commence the trial.