Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of the Federal High Court in Lagos has adjourned till March 17, 2025, for a ruling on an application by Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, challenging the court’s jurisdiction in a N12.3 billion fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Otudeko, along with former First Bank Managing Director Olabisi Onasanya, ex-Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Limited, faces a 13-count charge of obtaining money by false pretenses. However, the defendants have filed preliminary objections seeking to quash the charges before taking a plea.
At the hearing on February 13, EFCC prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, confirmed compliance with a court directive to serve the defence with charges and proof of evidence. Otudeko’s counsel, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, presented a fresh application challenging jurisdiction, with similar motions filed by other defendants.
The prosecution opposed hearing the applications in Otudeko’s absence, citing legal provisions that require objections to be raised only after a plea is entered. Defence counsel argued that jurisdiction could be addressed independently.
After hearing submissions, Justice Aneke set March 17 for a ruling on the matter.
