EFCC Arraigns Lawyer, Father-in-Law In Lagos Over Alleged Forgery

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought charges against Alaba Alakija and his daughter-in-law, Oyinkansola Alakija, in a Lagos court for alleged forgery and conspiracy.

According to a statement from EFCC’s head of Media & Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the duo stands accused of using a false document titled “Vesting Deed by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija,” purportedly made by the executors of the estate of the late Sir Ademola Alakija, with the intent of financial gain from a property in Ikoyi.

The alleged offense dates back to August 6th, 2015. During their arraignment before Justice Mojisola Dada at the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, both defendants pleaded “not guilty.”

Following their plea, the prosecution requested a trial date and the remand of the defendants. Counsel for the first defendant, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Yemi Akangbe, presented a bail application, urging the court to grant bail in liberal terms.

Counsel for the second defendant, Victor Giwa, also sought bail, highlighting his client’s status as a lawyer and caregiver to a two-month-old baby. However, a revelation by the second defendant’s husband contradicted this, stating their baby’s age as nine months.

After deliberation, Justice Dada granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N10 million, with sureties required to submit their international passports. The court retained the passport of the second defendant.

Both defendants were released to their lawyers pending bail conditions. The trial is scheduled to commence on May 28, 2024.