Fred Ajudua Files Fresh Bail Application After Losing at Supreme Court

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Legal proceedings involving businessman and social figure Fred Ajudua have taken another turn, as he makes a renewed attempt to secure bail at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos. This development comes shortly after his legal setback at the Supreme Court earlier in May.

The ongoing case continues to attract attention due to the scale of the alleged fraud and the long history surrounding the matter.

Supreme Court Move Dropped to Reopen Bail Argument

During the latest court session, counsel to Fred Ajudua, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), disclosed that a strategic decision had been taken to discontinue proceedings at the apex court. This, he explained, was to allow the trial court to reconsider a new bail request.

In a rephrased submission before the court, the defence indicated that stepping back from the Supreme Court process was necessary to give the lower court full authority to determine the fresh application.

The legal team also presented supporting documents confirming that the withdrawal process had been initiated.

Health Concerns Raised in Court

Attention was also drawn to the medical condition of Fred Ajudua, who appeared visibly frail, relying on a walking aid. His lawyer emphasized that the defendant is battling serious health challenges, including kidney-related complications and high blood pressure.

Despite these conditions, the defence noted that Ajudua remained committed to appearing in court and complying with judicial proceedings.

EFCC Pushes Back Against Bail Request

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) strongly opposed the renewed bail effort. Represented by Seidu Atteh, the prosecution argued that the withdrawal from the Supreme Court had not yet been formally concluded.

According to the EFCC, the absence of an official order from the apex court makes it premature for the trial court to entertain a fresh bail application.

Court Insists on Due Process

Justice Mojisola Dada sided with the prosecution, emphasizing the importance of proper legal procedure. She made it clear that the court must first be satisfied with formal confirmation from the Supreme Court before taking any further steps on the bail request.

Her position, restated in a different form, underscored that no ruling could be made without documented proof that the higher court had acknowledged and acted on the withdrawal.

Trial Continues with Key Testimony

Following the bail arguments, proceedings shifted back to the main trial. An EFCC investigator, Afanda Bashir Emmanuel, provided insight into how the commission handled the case after taking it over from the Police Special Fraud Unit.

His testimony outlined several investigative steps, including:

Collaboration with institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
Engagement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)
Use of forensic analysis to track financial movements
Interviews with key individuals connected to the case

He also confirmed that interactions with Fred Ajudua were documented during visits to Kirikiri prison, though no new statements were obtained from him during the EFCC’s investigation.

Sudden Health Scare Interrupts Proceedings

Midway through the session, proceedings were briefly halted when Fred Ajudua reported a medical issue after requesting a short break. His lawyer informed the court of a concerning symptom, prompting an urgent request for adjournment to allow immediate medical care.

The incident added another layer of urgency to the defence’s earlier concerns about his health condition.

Next Court Date Fixed

The court subsequently adjourned the matter to a later date to continue cross-examination and further proceedings in the case.

Commentary & Analysis

Gossip News Now reports that the case of Fred Ajudua continues to highlight the complex intersection of prolonged litigation, health considerations, and procedural technicalities in Nigeria’s judicial system.

While the EFCC remains firm in its prosecution, the defence appears focused on leveraging both legal and humanitarian grounds to secure bail. The insistence on due process by the court also reflects the judiciary’s cautious approach in high-profile financial crime cases.

As the trial progresses, attention will remain on how the court balances legal rigor with the defendant’s health concerns, as well as the broader implications for justice delivery in long-standing fraud cases.