Alleged $1.043M Fraud: Ajudua’s Absence Stalls Trial

The trial of alleged serial fraudster, Fred Ajudua, before Justice M. A. Dada of the Special Offences Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, the November 28, 2025, was stalled due to his absence in court.

At Friday’s proceedings, Ajudua’s counsel, Olalekan Ojo (SAN), informed the court that the defendant, who is currently in custody, was not produced by officials of the Nigeria Correctional Service. The court subsequently produced a letter received from the Correctional Service explaining his absence.

Prosecuting counsel, S. K. Atteh, told the court that he was unaware of the letter until it was presented in court. Mr Ojo (SAN) further noted that the Correctional Service did not indicate when Ajudua would be brought before the court, and therefore requested a new trial date in the coming year.

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Justice M. A. Dada adjourned the matter to Thursday, January 19, 2026, for continuation of the trial.

Ajudua is being prosecuted for allegedly obtaining $1,043,000 from one Abu Zalaf under false pretences. The case, which began in 2005 before Justice M. O. Obadina, has faced multiple delays, reportedly due to various legal tactics employed by the defendant.