Proceedings in the criminal case instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former chairman of the Lagos State Football Association (LSFA), Fouad Oki, and Eko-Akete Engineering & Construction Company Ltd, stalled at the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja over the alleged evasion of arraignment by the defendants.

The matter, which came up before Justice Olubukola Okunnuga, could not proceed as neither defendant was present in court. EFCC counsel informed the court that although the defendants had been duly served with the charge, they had continued to evade arraignment.

She told the judge that the prosecution was unable to proceed in the absence of the defendants and urged the court to grant an adjournment to enable the commission prepare and file the necessary applications to compel their appearance.

According to her, the prosecution required time to regularise its processes to ensure that the defendants submit themselves to the jurisdiction of the court for arraignment.

After hearing the submission of the EFCC counsel, Justice Okunnuga adjourned the matter till April 14, 2026, for further proceedings. The defendants are standing trial on a charge filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria at the Criminal Division of the High Court of Lagos State.

According to the charge, Fouad Oki and Eko-Akete Engineering & Construction Company Ltd are accused of offences bordering on stealing and abuse of office, contrary to the provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

In the first count, the defendants were alleged to have, sometime between July 29 and August 17, 2023, dishonestly converted the sum of N33,105,000, said to belong to the Lagos State Football Association, to their personal use. The alleged offence is contrary to Section 280(2) and punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The second count alleged that Oki, while serving as chairman of the Lagos State Football Association, abused his office by authorising the conversion of the same sum for personal use. The act was said to be prejudicial to the rights of the association and contrary to Section 73(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The charge was signed by Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa (SAN) on behalf of the EFCC. Justice Okunnuga adjourned the matter to April 14, 2026, when the prosecution is expected to take further steps to secure the arraignment of the defendants. (Text, excluding headline: The Guardian)

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