$8.4million scam: Court dismisses Fred Ajudua’s bail application

Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of the Lagos High Court, Ikeja has dismissed an application for bail by suspected serial fraudster, Mr. Fred Ajudua, who is facing trial for $8.4million scam.

Justice Ipaye dismissed the application for lack of merit.

Ajudua, who was ordered to remain in prison after his arraignment on March 11, 2014, had, through his lawyer, Olalekan Ojo, filed a bail application alleging “serious ill health”. He presented two medical reports from the Lagos University Teaching Hospital indicating that he has serious renal problems to buttress his claim.

While acknowledging the reports, Justice Ipaye, in his ruling, observed that there was nothing in the reports that showed that the accused, “cannot be treated while still in prison”. “The application lacks merit, so is hereby refused”, he said.

Ajudua is standing trial on a 14-count charge bordering on conspiracy to obtain money by false pretence. He allegedly defrauded a former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Ishaya Bamaiyi (retd), of $8.4million between November 2004 and June 2005, while both were in prison custody in Lagos.

Justice Ipaye adjourned the matter to June 30, July 1and 4, 2014 for trial.