Police Set to Arraign Obanikoro’s Son in Connection with Alleged N1.3bn Fraud

A Federal High Court in Lagos has scheduled the arraignment of Gbolahan Obanikoro, son of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, and four others for February 27, 2025. The case involves allegations of ₦1.356 billion in fraud.

Other defendants in the case include Adejare Adegbenro, Balmoral International Limited, M.O.B. Integrated Limited, and DDSS International Company Limited. They face a five-count charge, including conspiracy, obtaining by false pretences, false representation, and fraud.

Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa adjourned the arraignment after the defendants failed to appear in court on January 24. During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Momoh Bello requested a bench warrant for the defendants, citing evidence of service. However, counsel for the fourth defendant, Joshua Abel, opposed the motion, arguing that late service and inadequate briefing prevented compliance.

The court reviewed the proof of service and determined that proper service had not been effected on the first and second defendants, who are natural persons. While service was confirmed for the third and fourth defendants—both companies—the court directed the prosecution to regularize service for all parties.

The charges stem from allegations by the Inspector General of Police, via the Special Fraud Unit in Ikoyi, Lagos, that between May and September 2013, the defendants conspired to defraud Access Bank Plc (formerly Diamond Bank) of ₦1.356 billion.

The prosecution claims the defendants misrepresented their intentions, stating the funds were for importing vehicles from Dubai for resale, only to divert the money for personal use. The police allege that the defendants knowingly handled proceeds of unlawful activity.

The alleged offences violate provisions of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud-Related Offenses Act, 2006, as well as the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. The case is set to continue in February 2025.