Proceedings in the ₦33.1 million fraud case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against former Lagos State Football Association (LSFA) chairman, Fouad Oki, and Eko-Akete Engineering & Construction Company Ltd were stalled on Monday at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, over the defendants’ absence.
EFCC counsel, Mohammed Abbas, told the court that despite being duly served with the charge, the defendants had continued to evade arraignment, making it impossible for the prosecution to proceed with the case.
Abbas requested an adjournment to enable the EFCC file the necessary applications to compel the defendants to appear in court and submit themselves for arraignment.
Justice Olubukola Okunnuga granted the request and adjourned the matter until April 14, 2026, for further proceedings.
According to the charge, the defendants allegedly converted ₦33,105,000 belonging to the Lagos State Football Association between July and August 2023 and abused office in authorising the transaction, offences punishable under the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Reporting by Wahab Akinlade