Crime
N12.3bn Fraud: Ex-First Bank Chair, Otudeko Flees Nigeria Ahead Of Arraignment
Former First Bank Chairman, Oba Otudeko, has reportedly fled Nigeria just days before his scheduled court appearance on Monday, January 20, 2025.
The 81-year-old businessman is facing fraud charges involving the alleged embezzlement of N12.3 billion alongside three others.
According to reports, Otudeko left the country on Thursday evening via one of Nigeria’s land borders.
RELATED NEWS: EFCC To Arraign Honeywell Chairman, Ex-First Bank MD, Others Over Alleged N12.3bn Fraud
Security sources revealed that he was dropped off at the Nigeria-Benin border by a family member.
Efforts to contact him have been unsuccessful, as his phone number is switched off.
While messages sent to his WhatsApp were delivered, they remain unanswered.
His son, Obafemi Otudeko, also declined to comment when reached by journalists.
The charges against Otudeko stem from a case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Otudeko, alongside former First Bank Managing Director Stephen Olabisi Onasanya, a former Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and a firm connected to Otudeko, Anchorage Leisure Limited, is accused of conspiring to defraud First Bank between 2013 and 2014.
The EFCC had alleged that the defendants fraudulently obtained funds in multiple tranches, including N5.2 billion, N6.2 billion, N6.15 billion, N1.5 billion, and N500 million.
The 13-count charge, filed by EFCC counsel Bilikisu Buhari on January 16, 2025, also accuses the group of forgery to deceive the bank.
One of the charges reads: “You conspired to obtain the sum of N12.3 billion from First Bank Limited on the pretence that the said sum represented credit facilities applied for by V-TECH DYNAMIC LINKS LIMITED and Stallion Nigeria Limited, which representation you know to be false.”
Another charge states: “On or about November 26, 2013, in Lagos, you obtained the sum of N5.2 billion from First Bank Limited on the pretence that the said sum represented credit facilities applied for by V-TECH DYNAMIC LINKS LIMITED, which representation you know to be false.”
The Federal High Court, presided over by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, is set to hear the case, registered as FHC/L/20C/2025, on Monday.
However, Otudeko’s reported flight from the country raises questions about whether he will appear in court.
Attempts by journalists to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comments were unsuccessful, as calls to his phone line on Friday were unanswered, with a “switched off” notification.
Crime
Court Pushes Malami, Son’s Terrorism Financing Trial to April 15
The Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned the alleged terrorism financing and illegal firearms possession case involving former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and his son, Abdulaziz Malami, until April 15 and 16.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the adjournment on Tuesday after the prosecution requested more time to prepare for the trial.
During the court session, lead prosecuting counsel, Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), informed the court that he had only recently been assigned to handle the case and needed additional time to consult with witnesses.
SEE ALSO: Malami Speaks Out On Court Ruling, Urges Nigerians To Stay Calm
“I got the instruction to take over the prosecution of the case on Monday and so I need time to interface with the witnesses,” Kehinde told the court while asking for a new hearing date.
Counsel for the defendants, Shuaibu Arua (SAN), did not oppose the request for adjournment.
Following the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and fixed April 15 and 16 for the continuation of the trial.
The Department of State Services (DSS) had earlier arraigned the former justice minister and his son on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and unlawful possession of firearms.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/63/2026, Malami was accused of allegedly aiding terrorism financing by failing to prosecute suspected financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to him while he served as Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The defendants were also accused of illegally storing firearms and ammunition at their residence located in Gesse Phase II Area of Birnin Kebbi Local Government Area of Kebbi State without lawful authority.
Items allegedly recovered include a Sturm Magnum 17-0101 firearm, 16 Redstar AAA 5’20 live cartridges, and 27 expended Redstar AAA 5’20 cartridges.
The alleged offences are said to violate provisions of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, as well as the Firearms Act, 2004.
The trial is expected to continue in April when the court begins full hearing of the case.
Crime
How Routine FRSC Patrol Exposed Wanted Driver, Recovered Stolen Sienna
A routine patrol by the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has led to the recovery of a stolen vehicle in Lagos and the exposure of a wanted driver, highlighting the importance of proper vehicle documentation and cooperation with authorities.
The incident occurred at the RS2.1114 Isolo Unit Command, where officers stopped an ash-coloured Toyota Sienna bearing registration number LSD438GK for a Vehicle Licence Violation (VLV) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at about 5:11 p.m.
While the driver initially failed to present valid documents, further checks revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen and the driver was already declared wanted.
SEE ALSO: Fatigue, Over Speeding Led To Road Accident Which Claimed 21 Kano Athletes – FRSC
The suspect was subsequently handed over in handcuffs to the Nigeria Police Force, Ajao Division, for further action.
The FRSC credited the recovery to the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS), a digital framework that strengthens vehicle verification and tracking.
The scheme has reportedly helped identify, trace, and recover numerous stolen vehicles nationwide, while curbing criminal syndicates involved in vehicle theft and identity manipulation.
In a statement, Assistant Corps Marshal Olusegun Ogungbemide stressed that enforcement is not only about traffic compliance but also crime prevention and public safety, urging motorists to always carry valid documentation and cooperate with patrol officers.
Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed commended the Isolo team for their vigilance, affirming the FRSC’s commitment to leveraging technology, intelligence, and strategic partnerships to protect lives and property on Nigerian roads.
Crime
Election Scandal in Abuja: Woman Busted With 20 Voter Cards in Kabusa
A major election scandal unfolded on Saturday in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as security agents apprehended a young woman in the Kabusa area for allegedly possessing 20 voter cards during the ongoing area council elections.
The woman, dressed in a black shirt and red trousers with a white scarf, was intercepted at Polling Unit 001 in Kabusa Primary School.
She was immediately escorted into a police van by security personnel, raising concerns about the integrity of the election process.
SEE ALSO: Chaos At Nyanya Polling Unit As PDP, ADC Accuse APC of ₦1,000 Vote Buying
Meanwhile, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, was on the ground monitoring the elections.
He visited several polling units, including the Karu Chief’s Palace, to interact with adhoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and assess voter turnout.
Wike reportedly inquired about the progress of the voting and the challenges faced by election officials.
This incident comes amid reports of low voter turnout and other electoral irregularities in parts of Abuja, underscoring ongoing concerns about electoral security and transparency in the FCT area council elections.
Authorities have assured that investigations are ongoing, and the suspect may face legal action pending further verification of her actions.






939510 963424I recognize there exists a lot of spam on this blog. Do you want support cleansing them up? I might support amongst courses! 695427
66005 306301Hey i just visited your internet site for the first time and i truly liked it, i bookmarked it and will probably be back 433738
4439 442867hello I was extremely impressed with the setup you used with this blog. I use blogs my self so congrats. definatly adding to favorites. 244039
579481 924133if this post was likened to a flavor of yogurt, what flavor would it be? Banana, I believe. 716516