The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is taking the fight to the Supreme Court to challenge the bail granted to Lagos socialite, Fred Chijindu Ajudua. The anti-graft agency is disputing the Court of Appeal’s decision, arguing that it undermines the Supreme Court’s earlier ruling.
The EFCC claims the Court of Appeal misinterpreted the Supreme Court’s judgement, which ordered Ajudua’s continued detention pending trial. The agency says the appellate court’s decision to grant bail, contradicts the Apex Court’s directive for a speedy trial.
The controversy centres on the interpretation of the Supreme Court’s May 2025 judgement, which the EFCC believes foreclosed further consideration of bail. The Commission accuses the Court of Appeal of violating the doctrine of judicial hierarchy, and the finality of Supreme Court decisions.
The EFCC also questions the medical grounds cited for Ajudua’s bail, saying he’s been using his kidney condition to delay trial since 2005. The agency alleges inconsistencies in the medical reports, and warns that granting bail would frustrate the trial.
The Commission is seeking to revoke the bail granted by the Court of Appeal, and restore the trial court’s ruling refusing bail. The Supreme Court has yet to set a hearing date.
Ajudua, accused of defrauding a Palestinian businessman of $1.043million, has been on trial since 2005. The EFCC says only one witness has been called, despite being on bail for an extended period.
The outcome of this Supreme Court battle will determine whether Ajudua remains free, or returns to custody pending trial.
