The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered business tycoon Oba Otudeko to appear before the court and enter a plea regarding fraud charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The directive was issued by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke on Monday during a hearing on the case. The EFCC had earlier filed a 13-count charge against Otudeko and three other individuals, accusing them of involvement in a N30 billion loan fraud.
During the proceedings, the court noted that Otudeko must first take his plea before any application challenging the court’s jurisdiction over the matter can be addressed. This means that before any arguments regarding the court’s authority to hear the case can be entertained, Otudeko must formally respond to the charges filed against him.
As a result, the judge adjourned the case to May 8, giving time for Otudeko to appear and take his plea before further legal proceedings can continue.
