Alleged Forgery: EFCC Arraigns Lawyer, Father-In-Law In Lagos

On Monday, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) brought before the Special Offences Court in Ikeja, Lagos, a father-in-law, Alaba Alakija, and his daughter-in-law, Oyinkansola Alakija, on an amended two-count charge related to alleged conspiracy and the use of false documents.

According to Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s head of Media & Publicity, the duo allegedly conspired to use a false document titled “Vesting Deed by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija,” purportedly made by Dr. Omodele Alakija and Mr. Afolabi Alakija, the executors of the estate of the late Sir Ademola Alakija.

The alleged offense took place around August 6th, 2015, with the intention of financially benefiting from a property located at No.10, Keffi Street, South-west, Ikoyi, Lagos.During their arraignment before Justice Mojisola Dada, both defendants pleaded “not guilty” to the charges. The prosecution then requested a trial date and the remand of the defendants at a correctional facility.Yemi Akangbe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, representing the first defendant, informed the court of the bail application filed on behalf of his client. He urged the judge to grant bail to his client in the most liberal terms.

Meanwhile, Victor Giwa, representing the second defendant, informed the court that he had only recently become aware of the matter and requested to orally present his bail application. Giwa also mentioned that his client, Oyinkan Alakija, described as a lawyer, has a two-month-old baby whom she still breastfeeds.However, in a surprising turn, the second defendant’s husband contradicted this claim, stating that their baby is actually nine months old.After hearing all parties, Justice Dada granted bail to the first defendant in the sum of N10 million, with sureties in like sum, who must surrender their international passports to the court. The court also retained the passport of the second defendant.

Both defendants were released to their lawyers pending the fulfillment of their bail conditions. The judge adjourned the matter to May 28, 2024, for the commencement of the trial.