Justice Mojisola Dada of the Special Offences Court, Ikeja, on Tuesday reserved May 7 to rule on a bail application filed by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Chappal Energies, Joseph Ufoma, who is standing trial over an alleged $1.5 million oil fraud.
The court fixed the date after ordering that Ufoma be remanded in Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC custody pending the determination of the bail application.
Defence cites health concerns
At the resumed hearing, counsel to the defendant, Olawale Akoni (SAN), urged the court to grant his client bail application, supporting his request with affidavit.
Akoni told the court that the defendant had suffered seizures while in EFCC custody, requiring urgent medical attention from doctors.
He further pleaded with the court to release Ufoma on self-recognisance or, in the alternative, allow him to remain in the custody of the Interpol.
EFCC opposes Joseph Ufoma bail, cites flight risk
However, counsel to the EFCC, Babatunde Sonoiki, opposed the bail application, arguing that the defendant poses a flight risk.
Sonoiki cited an alleged incident outside the courtroom at the last hearing and added that the defendant had been filing multiple applications in different courts, which could delay the trial.
He further told the court that Ufoma currently possesses two international passports, raising concerns over his likelihood to be available for trial in the $1.5 million oil fraud case.
In a short ruling, Justice Dada directed the defendant to submit the two international passports to the EFCC without delay before the next hearing date.
Charges and plea
Ufoma is facing trial alongside Intermediate Investment Holdings Limited on a two-count charge bordering on $1.5 million oil fraud, including obtaining by false pretence and forgery.
The defendants had pleaded not guilty to the charges at arraignment.
