The scheduled trial of an Engineer, Adeleke Adebesin and his company Kings Intercontinental Properties Nigeria Limited and who was alleged to have defrauded Twins Faja’s Store, of the sum of N40 million, was stalled due to change of counsel by the defendant.
Adebesin and his firm are being tried before the court presided over by Justice Musa Kakaki on alleged charges of conspiracy, N40 million fraud and issuance of dud cheques.
Adebesin and his firm were formerly arraigned before Justice Abimbola Awogboro early this year on the alleged offences.
However, upon the transfer of Justice Awogboro, their case file was taking over by Justice Kakaki, who took over from Justice Awogboro.
At the resumed hearing of the matter today, the prosecutor, Mr Sylvester Azubuike of the police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) informed Justice Akitoye Aluko that the matter is slated for trial and that the prosecution is ready to proceed.
However, Adebesin’s lawyer, Mr O. N. Onuoha in his submission told Justice Aluko that his client (defendant) had just informed him this morning in court of his intention to change his counsel, he therefore urged the court to grant one adjournment, so that he can sort things out and make proper withdrawal from the case.
The incoming counsel for the defendant, Oke Prosper Ojakovo announced his appearance as counsel for the defendant, but said he will not oppose the application for adjournment by the former counsel.
Consequently, the trial judge, Justice Akintoye Aluko adjourned the matter till 24th of March , 2024 for trial.
It would be recalled that Engineer Adeleke Adebesin was arraigned alongside his company, Kings Intercontinental Homes and Properties Nigeria Limited, and one James Oladimeji Ogunsango, said to be at large.
According to the charge, the 53-year-old engineer, was alleged to have sometime in 2019 induced a Lagos businessman, Taiye Fajana, the chairman of Twins Faja Nigeria Limited, to deliver to him N40 million.
It was also alleged that the defendant, his company, and the other, said to be at large, issued a Stanbic IBTC bank cheque with the number 20218203, and account number 00234349, dated October 30, 2019, but when the cheque was presented at the bank, it was dishonoured for lack of sufficient funds.
The prosecution said the offence contravened Section 1(1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Offence Act, No. 14 of 2006 and is punishable under Section 1(3) of the said Act and Section 1(a)(i) of the Dishonoured Cheques (Offences) Act, 2004.
