Kemisola Oye
THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday arraigned Alakija Alaba and Alakija Oyinkansola before a Lagos Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja over allegations of property fraud.
The EFCC arraigned the duo before Justice Mojisola Dada for allegedly using false documents.
Alaba and Oyinkansola were arraigned on an amended two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and using false documents titled, “Vesting Deed by Dr Omodele Alakija and Mr Afolabi Alakija”, the executors of the estate of late Sir Ademola Alakija purporting same to be made by Dr Omodele Alakija.
EFCC alleged that the two defendants (Alaba Alakija and Oyinkansola Alakija) on or about 6 August 2015 at Lagos State, with intent to financially benefit from the property located at No. 10, Keffi Street, South-West, Ikoyi Lagos conspired between themselves to use a false document titled “Vesting Deed by Dr Omodele Alakija and Mr Afolabi Alakija” the executors of the estate of late Sir Ademola Alakija purporting same to be made by Dr Omodele Alakija and Mr Afolabi Alakija.
The anti-graft agency said that their offence was contrary to the provision of sections 409 and 364 of the Criminal Law of the Lagos State, 2011.
However, they pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to them.
Following their not guilty plea, the prosecution counsel, M. S. Owede, asked the court for a trial date and that the defendants be remanded in a correctional facility pending determination of the charge.
But the first defendant’s counsel, Mr M. O. Akangbe (SAN), informed the court of the bail application of his client, which he had filed and served on the prosecution. He prayed the court to allow him to move the application. He also urged the court to grant the bail in the most liberal terms. 
While second defendant’s counsel, Mr Victor Giwa, prayed the court to allow his oral bail, as he noted that he was informed late about the matter and that he had been out of jurisdiction.
He said that the second defendant is a lawyer, has a two-month-old baby she is breastfeeding, and that she will not jump bail. But the defendant’s husband who appears before the court said that their baby is just nine months old.
After listening to both parties, Justice Dada granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N10 million with substantial sureties in like sum. The surety must submit his international passport to the court.
The second defendant was released to her husband, but her International passport was to be submitted to the court pending when judgment is delivered in the matter.
Both defendants were released to their lawyers, pending the perfection of their bail conditions.
The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to 28 May 2024 for commencement of trial.
Eighteen-Eleven Media