EFCC re-arrests Fred Ajudua in Abuja

Prominent Lagos-based socialite and businessman, Fred Ajudua, was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on Tuesday. He is currently in EFCC custody pending his re-arraignment in connection with an alleged $1.43 million fraud that dates back over three decades.

This dramatic development follows a significant ruling by the Supreme Court on Friday, May 9, 2025. The apex court ordered Ajudua’s remand and decisively revoked a bail previously granted to him by the Court of Appeal, Lagos Division. In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court justices found that the appellate court had erred in its judgment to grant bail and mandated Ajudua’s immediate return to correctional custody.

The Supreme Court also directed the trial judge, Justice Mojisola Dada of the Lagos State High Court, to resume hearing the long-standing criminal case against Ajudua.

The EFCC’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, has so far declined to make an official comment on the arrest.

The case, which involves allegations of defrauding a German company, has navigated a complex legal journey. Ajudua was initially charged before Justice Josephine Oyefeso of the Lagos High Court. The EFCC later re-filed the case, which was then reassigned to Justice Dada.

During a re-arraignment on July 6, 2018, Justice Dada had denied Ajudua’s bail application, which was made on health grounds. She noted at the time that the case had suffered repeated delays for over 13 years, stating, “This case is one of the oldest in Lagos State. Bail is refused and the defendant is to be remanded in prison custody.”

Following that ruling, Ajudua’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), successfully appealed to the Court of Appeal in Lagos. Justice Mohammed Garba of the appellate court overturned Justice Dada’s decision, holding that bail was a constitutional right, a decision now superseded by the Supreme Court’s latest order. The stage appears set for the trial to finally proceed.