First Bank Case: Onasanya’s Lawyer Condemns Media Trial, Demands Proper Court Summons As Judge Adjourns Case
At the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, January 20, 2025, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, a former Group Managing Director of First Bank, through his lawyer, Olumide Fusika, SAN, demanded the proper service of charges and proof of evidence in a loan-related controversy allegedly dating back 12 years.
Onasanya, a chartered accountant, is defending himself alongside three others: former First Bank Chairman Chief Oba Otudeko, ex-Honeywell board member Soji Akintayo, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd. The case revolves around an alleged controversial loan during his tenure at the bank.
During the hearing, Fusika condemned what he described as a “media trial” of his client. He expressed shock at seeing reports in major newspapers linking Onasanya to the trial without any prior notification or formal service by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
“My Lord, it is concerning that my client has been unduly exposed to a media trial without being formally served. This is a procedural anomaly that undermines his right to a fair hearing and personal dignity,” Fusika stated.
In response, the EFCC’s prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, denied any involvement in the media reports, asserting that the commission had not issued a press statement. Oyedepo suggested journalists may have obtained information through other means.
“We disassociate ourselves from any media reports,” he said.
The EFCC filed an ex parte motion for a bench warrant to arrest the defendants, alleging they had evaded service, and sought permission to serve them through substituted means.
Fusika opposed the motion, insisting that his client had always been available and was not avoiding service. He urged the court to allow the EFCC to serve the charges and proof of evidence in open court to proceed with the case.
“This application is unwarranted and speculative. My client has neither avoided service nor absented himself from this matter. The claims of the prosecution are baseless. Since I am here and my client is ready to go ahead with this case, I ask to be served the charge and the proof of evidence here in the court,” Fusika argued.
Presiding Judge Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke dismissed the EFCC’s motion for substituted service on Onasanya, ordering the prosecution to serve the charges and proof of evidence in open court. The EFCC complied with the directive, and Fusika confirmed receipt of the documents. He also secured confirmation from the prosecution that the proof of evidence was exhaustive and would not require an addendum.
Justice Aneke adjourned the case to February 13, 2025, for further proceedings.
Earlier, Onasanya, through his Communications Advisor, Michael Osunuyi, dismissed the allegations as baseless and an attempt to tarnish his reputation for professionalism, integrity, and humaneness.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, underscores Onasanya’s commitment to clearing his name and addressing the accusations head-on in court.
