EFCC re-arraigns First Nation Airways MD over alleged N2.1bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has re-arraigned Kayode Odukoya, managing director of First Nation Airways, over an alleged N2.1 billion fraud.

NAN reports that the anti-graft agency brought in Odukoya on a seven-count charge before an Ikeja Special Offences Court on Monday.

EFCC, on March 16, 2018, had arraigned Odukoya before Mojisola Dada, presiding judge over the case, on a four-count charge of forgery, use of false document, perjury and stealing of N1.7 billion.

One of the counts read: “That you, Kayode Odukoya, First Nation Airways and Bellview Airlines, on or about October 7, 2016 in Lagos within the Lagos Judicial Division dishonestly converted for your own use the sum of N1,742, 994,962.04 billion property of Skye Bank.”

He pleaded not guilty to all the charges placed on him and was granted bail.

However, EFCC, re-arraigned the defendant on a seven-count charge bordering on forgery, use of false document, perjury, stealing and obtaining credit by fraud, but he still pleaded not guilty.

Following his not guilty plea, Nnaemeka Omewa, EFCC counsel, told the court that EFCC had already called five witnesses to prove its case, adding that prosecution would be closing its case against Odukoya.

However, Edoka Onyeke, defence counsel, said that due to the fresh charges, defence would like to recall three prosecution witnesses for cross-examination.

Onyeke appealed to the court to allow his client to continue on bail granted him on his first arraignment.

Dada granted Onyeke’s request and adjourned the case until February 15, 2021 for Odukoya to begin his defence.