A Federal High Court in Lagos on July 30, 2025, rejected a fresh bail application by Fred Ajudua, accused of a ₦5.6 billion fraud against a Dutch businessman in 2004.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke dismissed the motion, citing Ajudua’s history of jumping bail in 2005 and insufficient new evidence, despite his counsel arguing health concerns, including hypertension. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) opposed the application, presenting witness testimonies linking Ajudua to the scam.
The case, dormant since 2017, resumed in 2024 after international pressure, with the trial set for September 15. Ajudua, detained since June 2024, faces a 10-year sentence if convicted.
The narrative of judicial resolve is evident, reinforcing anti-corruption efforts, though critics question delays in Nigeria’s legal system, with 70% of cases unresolved per the National Judicial Council.