Our reporter
The trial of Olusegun Ogunbanjo, a former Punch Nigeria Ltd. employee accused of committing N998 million fraud through stationery purchases, faced a delay on Thursday following the appointment of a new defense counsel.
Ogunbanjo, who had been arraigned on June 21 on an eight-count charge that included conspiracy, obtaining by false pretense, forgery, and theft, has denied all allegations against him. He is accused of defrauding Punch Nigeria Ltd. and others by falsely claiming to be procuring supplies for Local Purchase Orders (LPOs) and misappropriating funds for personal use.
At Thursday’s court session, Ogunbanjo’s new lawyer, M.A. Abia-Bassey, explained that she was stepping in following the recent passing of Ogunbanjo’s former counsel, T.E. Okeke, who had died in a tragic accident.
Abia-Bassey further requested an adjournment, citing both her need to familiarise herself with the case and Ogunbanjo’s alleged health concerns.
“My lord, the counsel who was handling this matter unfortunately passed away in a car accident,” Abia-Bassey stated. “I have only recently been asked to take on the case, and given the circumstances, I respectfully request a short adjournment.”
The prosecuting counsel, Dr. Babajide Martins, opposed the adjournment, emphasizing the presence of an available witness, Insp. Augustin Lyida, prepared to testify. Martins argued that the witness should proceed with his testimony to make effective use of the court’s time.
He also expressed skepticism regarding the defendant’s health claims, suggesting that such claims are sometimes used to delay proceedings.
Justice Ismail Ijelu, presiding over the case, inquired about the defendant’s health status from correctional officers, who confirmed Ogunbanjo’s condition, though they lacked a medical report. The judge ultimately granted the adjournment, but clarified that it was to allow the new defence counsel to review the case files, not due to health concerns in the absence of medical documentation.
The court adjourned the trial to November 25, at which time it is expected that Ogunbanjo’s defence will be fully prepared to proceed.
The prosecution’s case alleges that between 2017 and 2022, Ogunbanjo and unnamed associates fraudulently obtained large sums by convincing individuals, including Durodola Balogun and Olusola Ikuyajesin, that they were funding legitimate stationery purchases for Punch Nigeria Ltd.
Allegations also include forgery of Punch LPOs and the illegal conversion of funds for personal use.
The charges against Ogunbanjo fall under multiple sections of the Lagos State Criminal Law, with potential penalties if he is found guilty of conspiracy, fraud, theft, and forgery.
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