- Safiu Kehinde
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has on Wednesday struck out the 13-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), against Chairman of the Honeywell Group, Oba Otudeko and others.
NPO Reported that EFCC preferred a 13-count charge against Oba Otudeko and a former Managing Director of First Bank Plc, Olabisi Onasanya, over alleged N12.3 billion fraud.
Also charged were a former board member of Honeywell, Soji Akintayo and a firm, Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
At the last adjourned date of March 17, first defense counsel, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), had informed the court that a meeting involving all counsel, had been convened at the instance of the Attorney General (AG).
He had said that this was aimed at reaching a peaceful settlement of the case.
The prosecution had confirmed the position to the court, which then adjourned the case for a report of settlement.
Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke would strike out the charge at the resumption of the hearing on Wednesday following EFCC’s information to the court that parties had achieved full settlement in the case.
When the case was called, Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) announced appearance for the prosecution together with Mrs Bilikisu Buhari and S.I Suleiman.
Bode Olanipekun (SAN) appeared for the first defendant, while A. Olumide-Fusika (SAN) appeared for the second defendant, and Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju (SAN) appeared for the third defendant.
Representing the fourth defendant was Elijah Akefe while B.O Ofulue, appeared for the nominal complainant (First Bank).
Counsel to the first defendant, Olanipekun, informed the court that all outstanding issues between the first defendant and the nominal complainant (first bank), had been resolved.
He told the court that same had been duly communicated to the appropriate authorities, including the prosecution.
This was confirmed before the court by the Counsel to the nominal complainant.
In response, the prosecutor confirmed the position to the court that there had been settlement of the issues, and gave a detailed recall of all incidences, including the meetings held as well as resolutions.
Citing the provisions of section 180 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, he averred that in the interest of justice, public policy and the need to prevent abuse of court process, the AG decided that the matter be discontinued.
Counsel to all defendants confirmed the position as stated by prosecution.
Justice Aneke consequently held: “This charge is hereby struck out”.
Meanwhile, in a statement by its Counsel, Olasumbo Abolaji, Honeywell welcomed the development, calling it a reaffirmation of Otudeko’s integrity.
“Honeywell Group confirms that the legal proceedings initiated by the EFCC against our Chairman, Oba Otudeko, in connection with matters relating to First Holdco Plc, have been formally withdrawn.
“This development marks the closure of a chapter that, while challenging, never diminished our confidence in Otudeko’s integrity or our belief in the principles that have guided his life and leadership.
“At no point was there any finding or admission of wrongdoing, and this conclusion further affirms what we have always maintained, that this was a commercial transaction, investigated by the EFCC and resolved eight years ago.
“Otudeko’s service, enterprise, and nation-building record stand firm and unblemished.
“For over six decades, he has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s economic and institutional development, including distinguished tenures across banking, industry, and public service.” he said
The Group reaffirmed its commitment to creating value through enterprise in food, energy, infrastructure, and financial services.
“As we move forward, we do so strengthen by experience, focused on the future, and anchored in the enduring values that have always shaped our journey.” he added.