LAGOS — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday produced one Otobor Geoffrey Onajefe before an Ikeja Special Offences Court on charges related to a ₦37.4 million fraud scheme.
Appearing before Justice Mojisola Dada, Onajefe faced a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing. The prosecution alleges that Onajefe, alongside an accomplice identified as Philip Otahre Onobrakpe—who remains at large—conspired in 2023 to defraud two individuals, Omotayo Olumide Oyebanji and Ernest Adeii.
The charge sheet, brought by the EFCC’s Lagos Zonal Directorate, states that the defendants “dishonestly converted” the sum of ₦37,440,000.00 belonging to Mr. Oyebanji to their personal use. The alleged offenses are contrary to Sections 409 and 285 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Courtroom Exchange
When the counts were read, the defendant entered a “not guilty” plea. Following the plea, EFCC prosecutor T.J. Banjo urged the court to fix a trial date and requested that Onajefe be remanded in a correctional facility pending further proceedings.
However, defense counsel S. Danni informed the court that a bail application had been filed on February 6, 2026, and served to the prosecution. The defense requested an opportunity to move the application immediately.
The prosecution countered the move, with Banjo noting that while the charges were filed earlier, the bail application was only received that morning. He further argued that the prosecution intended to file a formal reply on points of law, emphasizing that the commission had previously faced significant challenges in securing the defendant’s appearance for his arraignment.
The Ruling
Justice Dada, after considering the submissions from both legal teams, declined to hear the bail application immediately. She ordered that Onajefe be remanded at a Correctional Centre.
The matter has been adjourned until February 26, 2026, for the hearing of the bail application and the commencement of proceedings.
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